| You might think that handcuffs are all the same. | | | | the plating starts to chip. Lower quality restraining |
| However, there are some that are better choices | | | | devices are also cheaper than good quality ones. |
| than others. For your money, security and safety, | | | | Check tightness |
| there are quality concerns you should keep in mind | | | | Handcuffs are designed to tighten around the wrists. |
| when choosing handcuffs. They are not all the same, | | | | What makes them unique from other common forms |
| which means you need to choose carefully if you | | | | of restraint is that once the cuffs have tightened, it |
| want to get your money's worth. Here are some tips | | | | will be difficult to loosen them, ensuring that the |
| you might want to consider: | | | | person will not be able to free himself without the |
| Determine the use of the 'cuffs | | | | use of a key. |
| Handcuffs used by security guards, police officers | | | | The problem with certain designs, particularly those |
| and other law enforcement individuals are designed | | | | that were in use some years ago, is that there is no |
| to restrain. The last thing you want to have is a pair | | | | control to prevent them from tightening around the |
| that can be easily picked open using a simple | | | | wrist too much. These models can often cause |
| paperclip or hair pin. When choosing quality cuffs, | | | | problems if an individual moves too much when |
| check the locking mechanism. If you want to control | | | | restrained or if the cuffs were put on too tightly. |
| a person, make sure that the cuffs can only be | | | | When choosing quality handcuffs, look for a model |
| unlocked by its keys. Buy a pair that comes with two | | | | that has a safety catch. The safety catch is a built-in |
| keys, so you have a spare. | | | | mechanism that prevents the cuffs from becoming |
| For recreational use, make sure handcuffs are easy | | | | too tight around the wrist. This is important, |
| to get out of. | | | | particularly if you're trying to prevent or avoid injuries. |
| Look for good quality material | | | | Plastic, anyone? |
| Police-issue handcuffs are made from materials such | | | | Lately, law enforcement officers have been using |
| as stainless steel, aluminum or carbon steel. If you | | | | plastic zip ties. These are quite effective as restraints |
| want to go for brand name, look for hand cuffs | | | | because they can be tightened and held securely. |
| made by Smith & Wesson, Chicago Handcuff | | | | Plastics are convenient for certain situations because |
| Co, Peerless and Hiatt Thompson, among others. | | | | they are easy to carry, conceal and use, particularly if |
| There are also good quality hand cuffs from generic | | | | there are several individuals that have to be arrested |
| brands. These are usually nickel coated/plated, which | | | | or restrained. |
| should afford you a few years of good use before | | | | |