13 Days to Escape Escape Tools Guide
Screwdriver, Saw, and Power Drill — the three tools that open Cell 13.
Escaping Cell 13 in 13 Days to Escape [ALPHA] hinges on three tools: the Screwdriver, the Saw, and the Power Drill. This guide explains where each comes from, what it does, when to use it, and how the three chain into one escape route. Cross-link this page with Jobs and Cash for money targets and the Walkthrough for full phase timing.
RoDark Studios is still iterating. Confirm every OJ price in the live OJ’s Deals menu before you grind a huge stack. Numbers below are commonly reported ALPHA values, not a forever patch promise.
Tool overview table
| Tool | Typical source | Typical cost | Primary use | Best timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screwdriver | OJ’s Deals (cell 13) | ~25 cash | Unscrew toilet bolts, move toilet, open shaft | Night / quiet cell time after purchase |
| Saw | OJ’s Deals (cell 13) | ~110 cash | Cut window bars | RETURN TO CELLS |
| Power Drill | Workshop workbench behind cell block | Free | Dig dirt in the toilet tunnel (hold LMB) | LOCKDOWN after bars removed |
Engineer’s starting Spoon (class unlock) is a nice early dig fantasy but does not replace the Power Drill for serious dirt clearing. Class kits are covered on Classes Guide.
Screwdriver — open the toilet route
Why it matters first: Without the Screwdriver you cannot properly clear the toilet obstacle and expose the vertical tunnel. Buying the Saw first leaves you with a window plan but no shaft to dig.
How to get it: Work safe jobs until you have about 25 cash, then talk to OJ (orange-jumpsuit NPC) at OJ’s Deals inside cell 13. Purchase the Screwdriver and keep it ready for night.
How to use it:
- Interact with the toilet bolts in your cell.
- Complete the unscrew action.
- Choose Move aside when prompted.
- Verify the shaft entrance is open and usable.
Stealth tip: Do not start bolt work while a guard is staring through the bars or a camera has a clean angle on the cell interior. If suspicion ticks up, stop, look idle, and resume. More meter advice sits on Suspicion and Stealth.
Co-op tip: One player buys and opens the toilet while another keeps grinding yard litter so the squad still hits Saw money on schedule — see Co-op Guide.
Saw — cut the window bars
Why it matters: The Saw creates the climbable window opening you need for the LOCKDOWN workshop run. No bars cut means no clean path to the free Power Drill in the standard loop.
How to get it: Continue library, lunch, and yard loops until you can afford about 110 cash, then buy the Saw from OJ. Full grind routes are on Jobs and Cash.
How to use it: During RETURN TO CELLS, equip the Saw and cut the window bars until the opening is climb-ready. This phase is time-sensitive relative to the HUD schedule — be in position before lockdown logic starts.
Stealth tip: Bar cutting is visually obvious. Break the job into bursts if a camera cone sweeps your window. Do not AFK mid-cut in front of a guard path.
Common mistake: Players buy the Saw, forget to cut during RETURN TO CELLS, then wonder why LOCKDOWN has no window exit. Set a mental alarm the moment the HUD flips to that phase.
Power Drill — dig the tunnel
Why it matters: The Power Drill is the dedicated dirt tool. Hold LMB to drill. This is how you make real vertical progress after the toilet is moved.
How to get it (ALPHA loop):
- Ensure window bars are already removed with the Saw.
- Wait for LOCKDOWN.
- Climb out the cell window.
- Optionally grab cash stacks from the prisoner transport vehicle if the route is clear.
- Find the workshop workbench behind the cell block — identify it by yellow-black hazard markings.
- Take the Power Drill — it is free in the current design (not an OJ purchase).
How to use it: Return to the toilet shaft and hold LMB on diggable dirt. Clear downward methodically. For shaft pacing, alpha Day 2 transitions, and STAFF ONLY side beats, read Digging Tunnels.
Stealth tip: Carrying a loud drill through lit halls after a messy vehicle loot can spike attention. Extract the tool first; greed second.
Recommended purchase and use order
- Earn ~25 → Screwdriver → move toilet
- Earn ~110 more (net of what you already spent) → Saw
- RETURN TO CELLS → cut bars
- LOCKDOWN → window → optional vehicle cash → Power Drill
- Dig shaft with LMB; manage suspicion between sessions
That order matches Getting Started and the long-form Walkthrough.
What this guide will not invent
- Fake promo codes for free Saws
- Guaranteed permanent prices
- Extra legendary tools that are not in the live ALPHA kit
- Exact dig depth numbers that the HUD does not show
If a patch adds new OJ stock, update your personal checklist from the in-game menu first, then cross-check Updates.
Related pages
- Getting Started — day-one tool checklist
- Walkthrough — full timing with video
- Jobs and Cash — how to afford OJ stock
- Digging Tunnels — drill technique underground
- Suspicion and Stealth — using tools without getting caught
- Classes Guide — Spoon and Spy kit notes
- Guides Hub — all tutorials
Master the three-tool chain and Cell 13 stops feeling random. Cash buys access; timing buys freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers for Cell 13, tools, jobs, and escape routes.
Should I buy the Saw or the Screwdriver first?
Buy the Screwdriver first so you can move the toilet and open the shaft, then buy the Saw to cut bars for the lockdown Power Drill route.
How much do the Saw and Screwdriver cost?
Players commonly see about 25 cash for the Screwdriver and about 110 for the Saw at OJ's Deals. Always confirm live ALPHA prices in the shop menu.
Is the Power Drill sold by OJ?
No. Take it for free from the yellow-black hazard-marked workshop workbench behind the cell block during LOCKDOWN after the bars are gone.
How do I dig with the Power Drill?
At the open toilet tunnel, equip the drill and hold LMB to bore through dirt. Clear steadily and watch suspicion if you dig at risky times.
Does Engineer Spoon replace the Power Drill?
No. The Spoon is a class starting item. The Power Drill remains the main dirt-clearing tool for the toilet shaft loop.