Do most handcuffs use this key design? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: XOIIO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 04:58:18 am
content: Alright so I own a nice set of ap double lock handcuffs (always wanted a pair, it was either a slightly cheaper pair that you would pull open if you tried hard enough or proper ones for $80 so I bought the schmancy ones, though much later when I was looking them up I saw better prices), and apparently quite a few police officers like to use these ones.Anyways, I was bored, so grabbed a hair pin from a family member, and started working on picking the handcuffs.Took a few minutes of practice but after that, it's extremely easy, in fact I am surprised it is so easy.They use this style of key, and apparently most handcuffs still do? You would think that they would have upgraded it after all these years, but man getting out of them is easy, I can undo a side in a few seconds now.So, does anyone here work in law enforcement? are there any new handcuff key designs that are being introduced? I suppose it would be somewhat difficult to come up with another sturdy design that would be as reliable and become a standard when this design seems to be prevalent, and probably quite resistant to things like dirt and gravel and sand since it is one big tooth on the key.But yeah, it's kind of fun lol, I'm just handcuffing myself and picking it open as I watch tv.

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 05:08:09 am
content: Can you get it open before the lady with the whip arrives?

author: Whales
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 05:08:37 am
content: It's probably a weighed decision:- any policeman can use their key, so they don't need to keep one key following one arrested person- the probability you will have both the practice and equipment on hand to escape is low.After all, cuffs are generally used in a situation where you are being "supervised", and where there is no-one to help you out of them. Can you get the cuffs off if someone else puts them on you (with your hands behind your back)?*not affiliated with law enforcement*

author: XOIIO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 05:13:10 am
content: Quote from: Whales on April 26, 2014, 05:08:37 amI plan on doing hands behind my back next, definitely going to keep the key on the table beside me though, I'm going to attempt it tomorrow, I'm a tad tired and I'd probably get frustrated doing it behind my back now,

author: Skimask
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 05:34:55 am
content: Why do I get the feeling it might be awhile before you post again???

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 05:36:41 am
content: Quote from: vk6zgo on April 26, 2014, 05:08:09 amWhy would you want to?

author: XOIIO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 05:40:03 am
content: Quote from: Skimask on April 26, 2014, 05:34:55 amI could type with my nose

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 05:59:42 am
content: Zip ties are widely used, the RCMP officers I know keep them in their hat. There are purpose built plastic cuffs but the regular ties are easier to carry.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 06:06:35 am
content: Handcuffs are basic restraints, used to control you during movement into and out of a cell under supervision. If you are a genuine risk they will use leg chains as well, with a single designated officer with the key for the level 9 padlock. That they can leave for a while, as you will not get far shuffling along, but if you get into a place where you can get to an angle grinder and around 20 minutes you can cut the chains off. Remember the most common cuffs now are merely single use regular cable ties, simply looped around the wrists and pulled tight. Simple, cheap and good enough for a short period.

author: XOIIO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 06:17:52 am
content: Quote from: SeanB on April 26, 2014, 06:06:35 amThat reminds me I also want to get a set of the leg chains and handcuffs.Among other things that is, I also want to get one of those full face shield gas masks, and a bulletproof vest. Not really sure why, I just want to have these things lol.I do need an orange jump suit, I was with my friend in his car driving around when I got the handcuffs, we went through the drivethrough at a fast food joint he worked at, when we got to the window I casually leaned over and asked if I could get a drink, the look on the girls face was pricelessI also banged on the window as we passed a few people lol.

author: Vgkid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 06:41:02 am
content: Sounds like you are into some rather kinky fetishes.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 08:06:42 am
content: The British police cuffs have a rigid link between them which probably makes it very hard to manipulate a key while wearing them let alone pick the lock with a hair pin.http://www.militarymart.co.uk/images/source/police_security/equipment/rigid_handcuffs.jpg

author: KedasProbe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 08:29:48 am
content: During arrests when there are more people to handcuff than police man they also use tie-wraps.Many police man have some with them.(opening = cutting them at the police station)

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 09:30:04 am
content: Quote from: pickle9000 on April 26, 2014, 05:59:42 amZip ties are apparently very easy to break out of in a second if you know the right leverage technique.

author: KedasProbe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 10:10:38 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on April 26, 2014, 09:30:04 amIf your hands are on your back it's not that easy.Also if you break them they will gladly give you a metal one, and make sure they are (too) tight

author: M4trix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 10:27:31 am
content: What a weird thread. I thought this forum is based mainly on electronics.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 11:37:45 am
content: You could also try to get a ankle bracelet and associated transmitter. That would be an interesting tear down. Electronic security.

author: deth502
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 11:47:50 am
content: flex cuffs are not your average zip tie.

author: Marco
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 11:53:46 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on April 26, 2014, 09:30:04 amThe techniques seem to rely on your wrists being parallel, so you can use impulse force slamming your arms against your body (I guess inertia keeps the flesh in place until the ratchet breaks, preventing injury).Don't see any movies of breaking them when put on wrists crossed ... some tricks to keep some space so you can get your thumb out, but seems to rely a bit on operator incompetence.

author: Whales
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 11:54:25 am
content: Quote from: KedasProbe on April 26, 2014, 10:10:38 amMetal zip ties?...

author: deth502
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 12:15:40 pm
content: stndard 10" zip tie compared to a flex cuff.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 12:57:35 pm
content: Metal zip ties are very common, often used here to attach cables to light poles to get power up to the top of a steel, concrete or wooden pole. Generally pretty strong, though you do need pliers to both cinch them tight and cut off the excess tie.They come in a box that is essentially " One size fits all from 5cm to 5m" as it is a bag of ends and a roll of stainless steel strap that is cut to length on site. With practise you can do them quite fast, though they are not as convenient as a plastic tie, but do last well even in very harsh conditions.You do get plastic zip ties with a stainless steel rachet mechanism, which are a lot more resistant to pulling loose.

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 02:48:28 pm
content: Your name isn't Jeff Murdock is it?

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 06:32:07 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on April 26, 2014, 09:30:04 amThe zip strips they use here have fibers in them that you cant break. Not Kevlar, but something like it. That's what they use when busting the cartel pot grows and street gangs. Metal zip ties are illegal. They can cut you too easily.

author: XOIIO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 06:32:57 pm
content: Quote from: SeanB on April 26, 2014, 11:37:45 amOoh, I'd love to get one of those, but that would be next to impossible probably.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 06:38:04 pm
content: This thread scares me for some reason.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 06:59:56 pm
content: You only will find the ankle bracelet, though probably it will have the offender attached.When I was young me and Dad tore apart some security briefcases, inside was a very simple alarm comprising a battery and siren with a switch, and a destruct cartridge that would incinerate the case contents along with emitting a massive plume of orange/red smoke. that was an impressive test. Used a 0.22 blank rimfire cartridge to ignite the main pyrotechnic charge when the spring loaded striker was released with a pull on a tab.

author: david77
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2014, 07:14:11 pm
content: I have tried to get out of Hiatt Speedcuffs (those are the ones used by the Brits) on several occasions and it is impossible. You'd need unusually long fingers. And no I won't tell under what cicumstances.The key looks exactly the same as the one in the OP's post.