What’s the best non-firearm option for home defense?

I’m living in a rough area for university and can’t make any modifications to the rental property, like adding locks or bolts. Guns aren’t an option here in the UK. I’ve been considering a metal baseball bat or a machete, but I’m leaning toward the bat since it seems better legally and allows more distance in a fight. I also play baseball, so having a bat wouldn’t raise eyebrows. What do you all think? Is the bat the best option? If so, what size should I go for?

A small fire extinguisher works great—it sprays to blind, can be used to bash, and is handy for fires. If you go for a bat, put a long sock over the end. It’ll make it harder for someone to grab.

Zola said:
A small fire extinguisher works great—it sprays to blind, can be used to bash, and is handy for fires. If you go for a bat, put a long sock over the end. It’ll make it harder for someone to grab.

That sock idea is genius!

Zola said:
A small fire extinguisher works great—it sprays to blind, can be used to bash, and is handy for fires. If you go for a bat, put a long sock over the end. It’ll make it harder for someone to grab.

Can’t believe I never thought of the sock trick. Thanks for this!

Zola said:
A small fire extinguisher works great—it sprays to blind, can be used to bash, and is handy for fires. If you go for a bat, put a long sock over the end. It’ll make it harder for someone to grab.

This fire extinguisher idea actually makes sense. I’m surprised how practical that is.

Zola said:
A small fire extinguisher works great—it sprays to blind, can be used to bash, and is handy for fires. If you go for a bat, put a long sock over the end. It’ll make it harder for someone to grab.

Honestly, if you’ve got a fire extinguisher and a bat, you’re already ahead in terms of defense tools.

The sock trick with the bat is a solid idea. It’ll give you a split second advantage if someone grabs it.

Yan said:
The sock trick with the bat is a solid idea. It’ll give you a split second advantage if someone grabs it.

Exactly—when they’re confused by the sock, you swing!

Brett said:

Yan said:
The sock trick with the bat is a solid idea. It’ll give you a split second advantage if someone grabs it.

Exactly—when they’re confused by the sock, you swing!

Batter up!

@Yan
Swing for the fences!

Yan said:
The sock trick with the bat is a solid idea. It’ll give you a split second advantage if someone grabs it.

Why not just go for a machete or something instead? It’s harder to grab in the first place.

A metal bat is a good choice. If you’re worried about length in tight spaces, consider a shorter bat or even a long flashlight like a Maglite.

Tallis said:
A metal bat is a good choice. If you’re worried about length in tight spaces, consider a shorter bat or even a long flashlight like a Maglite.

Cricket bat could work too if you want something less suspicious.

@Hartley
True, but since OP plays baseball, they’d be better off sticking with that for legal reasons.

Tallis said:
A metal bat is a good choice. If you’re worried about length in tight spaces, consider a shorter bat or even a long flashlight like a Maglite.

Adding the sock trick to the bat makes it even better!

@Tristan
I’ve seen that tip floating around for years. It’s so clever.

Tallis said:
A metal bat is a good choice. If you’re worried about length in tight spaces, consider a shorter bat or even a long flashlight like a Maglite.

Do you think I should get a full-size bat or go shorter for maneuverability?

@Drue
Depends on your build. A full-size bat gives you more reach, but it’s harder to use in tight spaces. A shorter bat or heavy flashlight might be easier indoors.

Given your situation, a bat sounds like the most practical option. If pepper spray were legal, that’d be great too.

Val said:
Given your situation, a bat sounds like the most practical option. If pepper spray were legal, that’d be great too.

Unfortunately, pepper spray isn’t allowed here, so it’s not an option.