Handcuffs, Keys

Handcuffs are restraints designed to secure an individual's wrists close together. more...

Sizes

They typically feature a ratchet-action to facilitate quick application, and to adjust for various wrist sizes. Oversized handcuffs are available from a number of manufacturers, as are juvenile-sized restraints, though none of the latter in current production are approved for use by the U.S. National Institute of Justice.

Styles

There are metal handcuffs, in carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, polymer handcuffs, and lightweight plastic disposable ones.

There are two distinct subtypes of contemporary metal handcuffs — one in which the cuffs are held together by a short chain (most commonly consisting of two links), while the other, of more recent origin, uses a hinge for this purpose. Since the hinged handcuffs are somewhat smaller when fully extended they are seen as being more easily utilized by an officer who has relatively small hands, and are also regarded by some observers as more secure because the wrists end up being held closer together than with the chain subtype, and are also bound more rigidly. A third type, the rigid handcuff, has a metal block or bar between the cuffs. Whilst bulkier to carry it permits several variations in cuffing and, with one hand cuffed, can be used in control and restraint techniques. Various accessories are available to improve the security or increase the rigidity of handcuffs, including boxes that fit over the chain or hinge and can themselves be locked with a padlock.

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