Why are torches always held underhand by the police?

[Theodoric]

First a confession. I have just finished watching The Bill. There, I've admitted it!

In tonight's episode, DS Nixon was seen holding a torch in an underhand fashion, that is with the fist under the horizontally held torch. I'm sure that most TV shows and films show police holding the torch this way. Now, I (and I suspect most people) hold a torch overhand, that is with the fist on top of the horizontal torch. Why is this? The only reason that I can think of is that it prevents the police from automatically using the torch as a bludgeon and perhaps harming someone.

[dilli-theclaw]

Originally Posted by Theodoric

First a confession. I have just finished watching The Bill. There, I've admitted it!

In tonight's episode, DS Nixon was seen holding a torch in an underhand fashion, that is with the fist under the horizontally held torch. I'm sure that most TV shows and films show police holding the torch this way. Now, I (and I suspect most people) hold a torch overhand, that is with the fist on top of the horizontal torch. Why is this? The only reason that I can think of is that it prevents the police from automatically using the torch as a bludgeon and perhaps harming someone.

MMMmmm - I hold my maglite in a position to get ANYONE who tries to jump me while I'm at work patrolling in the early hours....

[Chimaera]

They're lucky it worked!
I can guarantee that any torch I use in this house is miraculously knackered by the time I get to use it!

[dilli-theclaw]

Originally Posted by Chimaera

They're lucky it worked!
I can guarantee that any torch I use in this house is miraculously knackered by the time I get to use it!

My maglite has been through some abuse - Get one of those... they also have a spare bulb in the end too.

[Chimaera]

Do they come with an everlasting battery too? No one here seems to understand they have to be replaced when they die!!

[dilli-theclaw]

Originally Posted by Chimaera

Do they come with an everlasting battery too? No one here seems to understand they have to be replaced when they die!!

I also have a torch that you shake to charge it up It's very good for blokes with strong right arms

http://www.gadgets.co.uk/faraday-star-torch.html

[Chimaera]

Originally Posted by dilligaf1701

I also have a torch that you shake to charge it up It's very good for blokes with strong right arms

Ah - I'll have to make enquiries if that applies to the man of the house!
Think i'll just give the kiddies a lesson in changing batteries!

[danielf]

Originally Posted by Theodoric

First a confession. I have just finished watching The Bill. There, I've admitted it!

In tonight's episode, DS Nixon was seen holding a torch in an underhand fashion, that is with the fist under the horizontally held torch. I'm sure that most TV shows and films show police holding the torch this way. Now, I (and I suspect most people) hold a torch overhand, that is with the fist on top of the horizontal torch. Why is this? The only reason that I can think of is that it prevents the police from automatically using the torch as a bludgeon and perhaps harming someone.

Perhaps it is because you will automatically hold your torch at face height, thereby making it easier to blind a person that suddenly leaps out of the dark.

[Russ]

They hold it like that to help stop it being easily knocked out of their hands if someone jumps out on them and actually that position allows them to use it as a weapon should they need to, in a downward motion (striking with the less heavy end).

Originally Posted by Chimaera

Ah - I'll have to make enquiries if that applies to the man of the house!
Think i'll just give the kiddies a lesson in changing batteries!

After constantly losing torch after torch and running out of batteries at the wrong time I gave up and bought a rechargable brute of a monster torch.Now no one can steal it to read under the covers because it's got a beam like a lighthouse(they might as well use the main light) and it never runs out of juice at the wrong time.

Incog

[dilli-theclaw]

Originally Posted by Incognitas

After constantly losing torch after torch and running out of batteries at the wrong time I gave up and bought a rechargable brute of a monster torch.Now no one can steal it to read under the covers because it's got a beam like a lighthouse(they might as well use the main light) and it never runs out of juice at the wrong time.

Incog

My dad got me a 3million candle power torch at christmas - which you could fry an egg if you shined the beam on it.

But it's too bulky to make an effective knobbiling torch - which - to be honest - is why i love my maglite

[Ramrod]

Originally Posted by Incognitas

and it never runs out of juice at the wrong time.

Incog

I bet you wish: 'If only all battery powered gizmos were the same as that' eh?




.........I'll get me coat

Originally Posted by Ramrod

I bet you wish: 'If only all battery powered gizmos were the same as that' eh?




.........I'll get me coat

[img]Download Failed (1)[/img]

[Ramrod]

Originally Posted by Incognitas

[img]Download Failed (1)[/img]

....Nobody likes hearing the truth

Originally Posted by Ramrod

....Nobody likes hearing the truth

KINK,OH KINK,KINK,RAMMY'S PICKING ON ME.........