Handcuffs

[CAL]

I will be purchasing my first set of handcuffs in the near future and like most gear there is a lot to choose from. I have a couple of questions to help me decide:

1) Hinges or chains? - Does it matter? Why or why not?

2) What manufacturer? - Are they all the same?

[DD78]

I will be purchasing my first set of handcuffs in the near future and like most gear there is a lot to choose from. I have a couple of questions to help me decide:

1) Hinges or chains? - Does it matter? Why or why not?

2) What manufacturer? - Are they all the same?

I carry a set of hinge and a set of chain.

It's really a matter of preference. I find it easier to apply chains, but that's more than likely the result of using my chain set as my "primary" set. I call my hinge cuffs my "asshole" cuffs. They don't rotate like the chain set and thus are less comfortable.

One other thing. The opening on my hinge set is bigger than the chain set though they are both standard Peerless cuffs.

The three major manufacturers are Peerless, Smith & Wesson, and ASP. I carry Peerless because that is what was recommended to me when I started. They all have their advantages and disadvantages.

The ASP and S&W cuffs come basically "broken in". They rotate alot easier. However, I still prefer the Peerless for the simple reason that they double lock alot easier. I can double lock a set of Peerless cuffs with my pen. You can't do that with the other two brands. This eliminates the need to take my key off of my keeper and then replace it.

Go with the stainless steel over the flat black. The flat black tends to rust.

Make sure you engrave whatever you get with either your name or your badge number. It helps cut down on disappearing cuffs.

I vote Peerless.

[CAL]

Thanks for the insight.

[Usmcrob]

I will be purchasing my first set of handcuffs in the near future and like most gear there is a lot to choose from. I have a couple of questions to help me decide:

1) Hinges or chains? - Does it matter? Why or why not?

2) What manufacturer? - Are they all the same?


I don't carry chain cuffs. To me, they are a pain in the ass to put on. I carry three sets of hinged. Two Peerless standard hinged, and one Hyatts hinged. The Hyatts are smaller than the Peerless (about the same size as the Peerless chains) and work well on people with small wrists. Hinged cuffs give you an extra edge with prisoner control. Also, after training, you always know which side the keyhole is going to be on after the cuffs get slapped on Joe Idiot.

I too avoid the flat black cuffs for rust reasons. However, I've seen the steel ones rust on cuffs that belong to officers that are retired on duty.

[Shadowcop92]

I carry SnW and peerless, peerless chain and SnW hinged and use the smith cuffs mianly

[Feet]

I carry what the dept issues me, Peerless. They work ok, just have to keep them cleaned and lubed.
I use the hinged for most work. I have used the chain for awhile and they work well on small-wristed folks since they close slightly smaller than my hinged do. I have an extra pair of hinged and I was thinking about rading out my chain with them too.

[computerdiva]

I have a pair of cuffs I will give you. I am not sure if they are stainless.Do you mind if they have pink fluff? The are chained, its easier to handle when slapping them on.

I think Shadow carries the same pair.

[Feet]

I have a pair of cuffs I will give you. I am not sure if they are stainless.Do you mind if they have pink fluff? The are chained, its easier to handle when slapping them on.

I think Shadow carries the same pair.

Eww. Make sure to bleach those bad boys off first. :gag:

[Broke Hoss]

I carry a set of peerless hinged that get the most work & a set of S&W chain cuffs (for the juvies & speed whores) on my belt. 2 sets of chain cuffs, both S&W I think, in my bag. The hinged offer much better control, but tiny wristed people seem to be able to slip out even on the last notch.

My son, who is in the academy now, just bought 2pr of asp hinged cuffs. They seem to be almost as big as my Peerless, and rachet down to as small as my S&W's. He likes the keyhole & double lock on both sides.