This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Full Disclosure Here.
If you're looking for a low-profile self-defense tool and easy to carry with you, a tactical pen may be ideal. Common features of tactical pens include strong knurling on the body for grip, a pocket clip for retrieval, and sometimes even a glass breaker tip.
Besides its typical use, a pen light can also come in handy for self-defense in close quarters. Even if you don't anticipate using your tactical pen actively, it can usually withstand heavy use without attracting too much attention.
Tactical pen lights are incredibly versatile tools that can be used for self-defense, survival situations, and even as writing utensils. Because of their many uses, tactical pen lights have become popular among people from all walks of life - from military operators to CEOs.
It's pretty awesome to have a pen that lights up and can do more than just write. With everything going on in the world, you never know when an emergency will strike, so it's always good to be prepared with the best tactical pen with a flashlight. Flashlights help us see clearly in the dark and can even temporarily blind an attacker.
In addition to being an effective writing tool, many tac pens also come with a light and other useful features like a glass breaker, bottle opener, or screwdriver. All of these helpful tools are built into an otherwise ordinary-looking pen, so they can be used virtually anywhere. When choosing the right tac pen with light for your needs, here are some important factors to consider.
- Light Lumens: A higher lumen output means a brighter flashlight, so be sure to choose one with a high lumen output. In this article, the options range from 60-130 lumens. Additionally, light modes are worth considering too--look for one with a strobe mode included to disorient potential attackers.
- Construction: If you need a pen that can take a beating, choose one that's built for heavy use. Most tactical pens on this list are made of aircraft-grade aluminum, which is very tough. Ensure the pen is also shock-proof and water-resistant.
- Extra Features: A tactical pen is already a desirable object, but it becomes even more so when it comes with plenty of useful functions. The basic features to look for are glass-breaking, wrenching, and bottle-opening capabilities. You can also search for bonus items like ink refills and spare batteries for the light.
Things To Consider In A Pen Flashlight
Design
Tactical pens either have a clicky or capped mechanism. The former uses a pushbutton to expose the writing tip, while the latter requires you to twist or pull off a cap. Each one has its pros and cons.
Of course, aesthetics are important for this item as you don’t want to draw attention from the crowd or hinder your airport security check. Look for an innocuous-looking pen that looks identical to any regular office pen.
Material
To make a pen truly tactical, it can't be made of plastic as that doesn't meet the criteria of being durable, strong, and lightweight.
The best materials to use for this type of pen are aluminum or titanium. Among other benefits, aircraft-grade aluminum is especially resistant to corrosion and UV light.
Grip
When choosing the right tac penlight, many people miss the importance of a secure grip. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, you'll need to be able to draw your pen quickly and securely.
If you want to be able to write with comfort and ease, look for a pen that has an ergonomic design. For those who are sweating often or have dirty hands from working outside all day long find a non-slip grip on their weapon of choice so it remains sturdy in your hand when necessary.
Ink
Although it may seem like a small detail, finding a pen that writes well is important. A leaky or dry-out-prone pen will be more frustrating than helpful.
Furthermore, ensure that the ink refills can be readily found in stores. Many tactical pens use Parker or Fisher ink cartridges.
Always use ink refills that are compatible with your pen, so you can ensure legible writing.
Light
The flashlight function in this pen should produce a steady brightness throughout the beam. The overall brightness, however, depends on both bulb quality and battery power.
Most flashlight bulbs that are used for this type of pen are LEDs. Not only do they have a long lifespan, but they're also energy-efficient.
A good self-defense flashlight should have at least 60 lumens to disorient potential attackers. However, if you want to be able to see in the dark as well, look for a flashlight with 120 lumens. Keep in mind that more brightness means more weight and faster battery drainage.
Extra Features
A flashlight is just one of the features available in a tactical pen. In fact, there are other much more useful functions that can help you survive any situation. A glass breaker, for instance, comes in handy when you need to quickly escape from a car by smashing the window. If you want a tool that can help with quick repairs, look for a multi-tool which often includes essential tools like a screwdriver and bottle opener.
Features that might come in handy include a compass, to help with directions; a whistle, for calling out for help; and a Strobe light mode, as an extra measure of protection against attackers.
ANKAKA The Most Loaded 6-in-1 Tactical Pen: Solves Other Brands' Weaknesses, Self Defense Tip + Flashlight + Ballpoint + Bottle Opener + Screw Driver + Hexagonal Wrench, 5 Ink Refills + 6 Batteries + Gift Box
1. No Weak Grip → Patented thread design at the handle and thumb head allow a thumb grip: the optimal way to fully transfer your power to the target.
2. No Weak Tip → Made of extremely hard super alloy called tungsten carbide, it can break metal, ceramic, and glass.
3. No Weak Flashlight → Bright enough to light up a room. High beam & strobe modes.
4. No Ink Leak → Smear-proof ink, writes smoothly even when wet, ink quickly dries with a consistent ink flow.
When it works as a ballpoint only, the cap is not attached to the ballpoint, which makes the ballpoint weighs only half of a traditional tactical pen.
This design solves a weakness of other tactical pens which are too heavy to be practical for writing. This solves the balance issue too. And it is ready for self-defense even when you are writing.
Atomic Bear MTP-6 Tactical Pen – Military-Inspired Multitool Pen - Pen for Women & Men Safety – Tactical Gear & EDC – Glass Breaker +LED Flashlight +Ballpoint Pen + Bottle Opener – 3 Ink Refills + 12 Batteries
Designed to write smoothly with a continuous ink flow for a remarkable writing experience. The ballpoint ink refills are affordable and available in both black and blue colors. Three black refills (one inside the pen and two spares) are included with your pen. FIND MORE add-on items for this pen by The Atomic Bear!
The tungsten carbide business end is fit for self-defense applications and will enable you to break a car window in one gentle strike in case of an emergency.
The MTP-6 features a LED flashlight requiring affordable batteries. Four sets of three cells are included with your pen.
The multi-tool head will come in handy to open a bottle, set a screw, or a hexagonal bolt.
Carry your writing implement as part of your daily routine and be prepared to be effective on the job and off. Unlike ordinary ballpoint pens, the MTP-6 will be there to keep you moving when your day takes a turn.
- Rugged aircraft-grade aluminum body
- 130 lumens flashlight with two modes
- Uses affordable and smooth ballpoint refills for an optimal writing experience
- Stainless steel pocket clip keeps the pen handy
- Ultra-Hard tungsten carbide glass breaker
- Multi-Tool
- Dimensions: Length 6.3" (16 cm) Diameter 0.5" (1.4 cm) Weight: 1.4 oz (40 g)
Smith & Wesson Self Defense Tactical Penlight with Aircraft Aluminum Construction with LED Flashlight for Survival, Hunting, Outdoor, and EDC
The Smith & Wesson Self-Defense Tactical Penlight is both functional and highly durable in any situation. At 5.9 inches long and weighing only 1.7 ounces, this penlight stores an LED light as well as a sharp, pointed tip for self-defense and DNA retention. The integrated pocket clip allows for clipping to the pocket or belt. (2) AAA batteries included.
- Water-resistant
- Impact resistant
- Flashlight
- Self-defense weapon
- Batteries: 2-AAA Included
- Run Time 30+ Hours
Kilitn 10-in-1 Tactical Pen for Self Defense Survival Multitool, LED Flashlight, Bottle Opener, Glass Breaker, Screw Driver, Whistle, Ballpoint, with a Multi Tool Card EDC for Men
THE WORLD MOST LOADED PEN - This pen combines the most needed EDC tools in one sturdy, well-designed, well-crafted compact tactical pen.
You'll find: a LED tactical flashlight, a premium glass breaking head, a rope cutter, a great writing ballpoint pen, and 6 multi-tool heads.
Includes: Emergency Whistle, Magnesium rod firing, Bottle Opener, Cross Screwdriver, Straight Screwdriver, 2 black ink refills, and 2 sets of batteries.
HIGH QUALITY - Made of Aircraft Aluminum, lightweight and durable, effective tactical action, improve safety coefficient.
DON'T GET TRAPPED - Crash-safe emergency tool. glass breaker can be utilized to crack a window for escape. every-day carry (edc). When you carry this tactical pen with you, whether it is used for writing or as a repair tool or to survive in the wild or defend yourself, it performs perfectly.
FEEL SAFE WITH PEN IN POCKET - Low profile, discreet yet effective self-defense pen.
MCCC Professional Tactical Pen Self-Defense Pen with Built-in LED Flashlight, DNA Defender & Glass Breaker Writing Multifunctional Survival Tool(Black)
There's no time to fumble with awkward tools or search for a glass breaker in an emergency. You need help, and you need it now! That's what makes a survival pen a favorite tool for law enforcement personnel, survivalists, and others with safety concerns.
It’s a simple, lightweight, easy-to-use, easy-carry, multi-function self-defense tool. Ideal for everyday carry, keeping in your bag, pocket, or car.
- Survival Gear Tactical Self Defense Pen-Perfect for an EDC kit with Attack Head for Defense. Make you Feel Safe, Great for Travelers, Hikers, Hunters, Campers, etc.
- Glass Breaker- a self-defense combat weapon that can break glass if you need an emergency escape through a car window
- Super Bright Built-in Led Flashlight-Using a CREE XPE2-R3 Led to Light Up to 60 Lumens。 Powered by 1*AAA Battery(Included, Battery can't be charged)
- Durable & Rugged- Made of Aircraft Grade Aluminum, Shockproof and Water resistance
- Convenient One-Handed Operation-The Built-in Led Light is Controlled by a Rotary Switch. Open the Pen Cap to Write. It can write smoothly.
Beinline 12 IN 1 Tactical Pen Multitool Pen EDC Gear Survival Pen LED Flashlight
12-in-1 Multifunctional Tool: This pen is very suitable for indoor and outdoor activities. Combine the most needed daily carrying tools, such as ballpoint pens, lights, bottle openers, screwdrivers, compasses, whistles, etc. It is a mini personal utility kit.
High Quality: The tactical pen cap is made of tungsten steel, and the pen body is made of aerospace-grade aluminum, which has excellent strength and portability. Break the window to escape in an emergency
- 12-IN-1 Multifunctional Tool Pen: It has combining the most needed EDC tools, Glass Breaker + Flashlight(with strobe mode) + Ballpoint + Stylus Pen + Bottle Opener + Compass + Whistle + Multi-tool Head(can be used as a bottle opener, nut wrench, etc). All are hidden in a smooth, streamlined pen body that can be easily clamped in your POCKET. Our tactical multi-function tool also includes 4 ink refills, 2 batteries, and a complete user guide.
- High Quality: Beinline tactical Pen made of ultra-strong aircraft aluminum, Rugged and Lightweight. Anti-oxidation, corrosion-resistant. It can perform powerful and precise operations in emergency situations. This tactical pen multi-purpose tool is specially made to break the glass and save lives when the door is stuck or the window cannot be opened in a fire after an accident. In the dark outdoors or indoors, it can illuminate the way forward or help you find things.
- Safe And Reliable: Tactical pens that are too heavy and too long are not suitable for carrying around. Our EDC flashlight is made of AIRCRAFT grade, CNC machined aluminum, with the largest strength-to-weight ratio. Its streamlined, lightweight pen body can be easily clipped in a pocket for quick and easy access. There is a pen cap on the tip of the glass breaker to protect yourself and your clothes from injury and scratches.
- Help & Escape: 1. Break the window to escape in a critical moment; 2. Whistle for escape; 3. Switch the flashlight to "Strobe Mode" to represent help signals; 4. The compass head of the survival pen will help you find your way when you are hiking; 5. The multi-function head can easily open the beer lid, tighten the screws, etc
Tac Pen Deluxe by Bell+Howell Brighter LED Flashlight 9-in-1 Aluminum Casing Tactical Pen 7” Military-grade Multitool Pen Escape Tool - Whistle Bottle Opener Screwdriver Replaceable Ink As Seen On TV
- 9 IN 1 TACTICAL PEN by Bell+Howell: A technical pen with replaceable ink. Comes with a Flat Head and Phillips screwdriver & bottle opener, a flashlight with zoom function and STROBE for self-defense (replaceable battery), a whistle, and an emergency escape tool for breaking glass.
- DURABLE and HANDY: Tac Pen is constructed from high-grade aluminum. It not only looks and feels durable, but it is also very durable. Takes up as much space as your regular ball-point pen - so have one ready in your car, in your kitchen, garage, or bedroom.
- BE SURPRIZED: This military-grade technical pen has built-in tools the average person needs but is nowhere to be found when they are needed the most. We took the statistics, materialized them into one item, and the result is Tac Pen by Bell+Howell.
- REPLACEABLE INK and BATTERIES: Tac Pens Battery and ink are both replaceable. So say goodbye to those other products that are good only until the built-in battery loses power or the after the ink runs dry. Please refer to the images for a breakdown of the components.
- PORTABLE & COMPACT: With a 7” collapsed length, as mentioned, the Tac Pen is similar in size to your standard office pen, so you can carry it with you anywhere, inside your purse, your glove, or overhead compartment. More so, the thickness is just perfect so you can actually comfortably write with it!
FAQs
What Is A Tactical Pen?
A tactical pen is a tool that can serve multiple purposes, from writing to self-defense. It's easy to use - even if you lack martial arts training - as all you need to do is swing it at your attacker or use the pointed end to break the glass.
Is a Tactical Pen With Flashlight Good for Self-Defense
Though they are small, tactical pens will not be as successful in defending you during combat situations as knives or guns. They can aid with counter-attacks, though, when you want to pierce the flesh, eyes, or neck by using the sharp end. The Strobe light can also briefly disorient your attacker.
