Handcuffs are an essential part of police work and are used worldwide to restrain people that are suspected of committing a crime and may attempt to escape or who may hurt themselves or others. Security guards, bail bondsmen, and prison guards typically use handcuffs in their line of work, too. Wrist restraints have been used in this manner for thousands of years, and they've evolved right along with the rest of technology, with the modern designs we're familiar with being over 100 years old. They can be combined with a waist chain (aka belly chain) to further restrict movement.
Metal police handcuffs come in 3 basic styles, all named after the way they're designed in between the two wrist cuffs: chain, solid bar, and hinged handcuffs. A handcuff chain allows for more freedom of movement by the wearer, which may or may not be appropriate for the situation at hand. The other 2 variations allow for more solid restraint of the suspect or prison and more control for the officer.
Police-grade handcuffs are usually made from strong metal. Carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and various alloys are all used to make handcuffs. Some models are also coated in melonite to increase the lifespan, reduce corrosion, and increase the strength of the metal handcuffs.
Yes, the most common brands of real handcuffs all use the same key. This is helpful so that when a prisoner is transferred from one officer or facility to another, the receiving entity can unlock and remove the cuffs as needed. There are many different designs, including those shaped like a ballpoint pen, but they all serve the same function. These same keys also work with ankle cuffs, belly chains, and other locking restraints.
Flex cuffs, also known as zip-tie handcuffs are a newer development in police cuffs. They're made of nylon or other tough plastics. The advantages include officers being able to carry several at a time for riots and other crowd control situations. They're also disposable, making them less expensive and able to be simply snipped off after use. The downsides are that sometimes they can be broken and if they're applied too tightly they can cut into the wrists.
We have a wide variety of real handcuffs for sale here at OpticsPlanet.com. We carry all of the best handcuffs for law enforcement and security professionals. Our lineup includes top brands like ASP handcuffs, Smith and Wesson handcuffs, and the original classic Peerless handcuffs. You can also get all of the Handcuff Accessories, including handcuff keys and handcuff cases. As an added bonus, most orders over $49.00 get FREE SHIPPING!
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