If ever you find yourself in the terrifying scenario of waking up in a strange place with your hands bound by duct tape, not all hope is lost. A recent video made by Jason Hanson, a former CIA agent, shows you ways that you can escape from such a situation. Of course, unless you’re a spy, actually being in a scenario like this is highly unlikely. Still, learning some escape and evasion techniques straight from professionals like Hanson can’t hurt. Who knows, it might even save your life one day.
In the video, Hanson explains that duct tape is one of the preferred method used by criminals to restrain their victims. However, it is relatively easy to escape with the right technique.
You don’t need to be a martial artist with huge biceps to pull it off either. To start, you shouldn’t try to pry the duct tape apart by pulling your hands apart. According to Hanson, this never works and even the strongest men wouldn’t be able to pull it off. The trick is to create a tear angle. You start by putting your elbows together and raising your hands above your head, then sharply bringing your elbows past your hips. Doing this will tear the duct tape apart easily.
Hanson runs a series of courses where called “Spy Escape & Evasion.” He teaches people concepts that he learned during his training at the CIA that can be used to not only escape from various forms of restraints such as handcuffs, zip ties and duct tape, but also how to get out of dangerous situations such as being kidnapped by criminals or terrorists.