Spike strip
A spike strip is a device used to impede or stop the movement of automobiles by flattening their tires. Generally, the strip is composed of collection of 35 mm to 75 mm (1.5" to 3") long metal barbs pointing upward. The barbs are designed to puncture and flatten automobile tires when an automobile is driven over them.
Spike strips are also used to control access by automobiles. A one-way spike strip will allow an automobile to travel over it in one direction; the spikes are hinged so that they collapse harmlessly when driven over in one direction, but remain upright when driven in the other.
A light-weight variant used by various police forces is the Stinger. It is manufactured in the United States by Federal Systems Corporation, although it is most well known for its use by UK police forces. It is designed to be easy to deploy, to puncture all four tires on the pursued vehicle, and to leave no debris which could affect following vehicles. It is packaged in a concertina form, with a tough frame of nylon strips holding pointed steel tubes. In use it is spread out across a surface or even thrown towards approaching vehicles, spreading out during flight. An attached rope makes it easy to regather after use before pursuing vehicles also run over it. The construction of the strip points the spikes into the tires as they pass over, and the spikes then detach and remain in the tires, their hollow construction assisting in the venting of air over 10 to 20 seconds.
