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What are Handcuffs?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 28,408
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Handcuffs are restraint devices which are designed to lock someone's hands together, making it difficult for them to escape, hurt themselves, or injure someone else. Law enforcement personnel have been using versions of handcuffs in prisoner restraint for hundreds of years; the modern handcuff emerged around the mid-1800s, and numerous new variations started appearing in the late 20th century.

The concept of tying someone's hands together to restrict his or her freedom of movement is probably ancient, given that it is so basic. Early metal handcuffs were simply made from two hinged loops which were designed to lock over the wrists. These handcuffs carried a distinct disadvantage, since they were not adjustable. Prisoners with thin wrists could wriggle out of them, while prisoners with thick wrists often experienced discomfort.

In 1862, W. V. Adams realized that the inclusion of a ratchet would make handcuffs adjustable. He developed the basic design which continues to be used today, consisting of two bracelets connected by a thin length of chain. Law enforcement personnel can snap the ratcheted end of an open bracelet into the other side, which contains a pawl to catch the teeth of the ratchet. The handcuff is tightened as desired and then locked; double lock versions lock the ratchet in place so that the handcuffs cannot be accidentally pulled too tight.

In addition to handcuffs which link with chains, many handcuff producers also make hinged handcuffs, which bring the hands of the prisoner even closer together and reduce the risk of injury from the chain. Others make handcuffs which are linked by a rigid rod. Because of concerns about injuries from the chains on handcuffs, many law enforcement agencies cover the chain with hose or similar flexible piping which will prevent the prisoner from catching skin or hair in the chain.

Many employees of law enforcement agencies carry handcuffs and they are authorized to use them as needed. They are expected to use handcuffs responsibly and with care for the well being of their prisoners, and most are trained in a variety of restraint techniques which are designed to complement the use of handcuffs. By convention, people are typically handcuffed behind their backs, making it more difficult to pick the cuffs and easier to control the prisoner. Many law enforcement officers also make a habit of cuffing with the lock on the outside of the wrist, further hindering someone who might be considering escape because he or she would find picking the lock a challenge.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By Soulfox — On Nov 24, 2014

@Markerrag -- The problem is you don't know why those handcuffs were used. I will agree that slapping handcuffs on someone because of unpaid parking tickets is a bit shocking, but it makes sense if the arrested person had avoided authorities, had a history of confrontations with officers, etc.

Just remember that handcuffs are supposed to protect people from themselves as well as keeping officers safe. So, there could have been something along those lines, too.

By Markerrag — On Nov 23, 2014

There are few things more shameful than being hauled off in handcuffs. I am not talking about personal experience, but I have seen that done before.

I worked with a woman who had too many parking tickets. A police officer showed up, cuffed her and hauled her off to deal with her tickets.

That seemed a bit extreme. Why was someone handcuffed over parking tickets? Was the goal to humiliate her at work? Why not just ask her to come down to the police station without having to make that kind of production out of it?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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