Choosing the Right Handcuffs for Your Needs

Mention handcuffs to the average citizens and they will likely all think of the same thing - standard metal cuffs; this despite the fact that there is a huge variety of handcuffs available today. Investing in handcuffs means having to consider all of the different options available. Whether you are buying a pair for you job or you have to pick handcuffs for a whole team or department it is important to look at the different styles, uses, and materials used to make handcuffs. Here are a few things you should think about.

How will they be used?

The first concern for law enforcement and security professionals is restraint. Make sure that they are of quality material and style and they can effective restrain the wearer without doing any damage. Also make sure that they are not easily pickable. Granted, this happens far more often in the movies than in real life but it can be a concern. Choose 'cuffs with a secure locking mechanism that can only be unlocked by the keys.

What are they made of?

Options for quality handcuffs range from carbon steel to stainless steel to cheaper nickel plated. Most will do in most circumstances but it is important to consider how they will hold up over time. For example, after a few years of use nickel plated models often begin to chip.

How tight are they?

It is easy to assume that there is no such thing as too tight when it comes to a product designed to restrain. Obviously this is not the case. Many handcuff designs are built to only tighten thus ensuring that the wearer cannot loosen them and get out. However this can lead to handcuffs being too tight. The person doing the restraining can become over zealous and simply put them on too tightly or the wearer, especially if he squirms around or leans on them, might tighten them. Wearing handcuffs to tightly can lead damage the wearer's wrists.

Many models these days come with a safety catch designed to prevent over tightening. Make sure that whatever model you buy has this catch. It is not just a question of not harming the wearer but preventing nightmares for your team or department down the road should something happen.

Alternatives?

Until recently handcuffs were the only realistic option for quick, compact wrist restraints. But recently zip-ties have been in use quite effectively. They have some obvious detracting aspects. They are relatively easily cutable so the wearer must be constantly observed. Also, they can easily be overly tightened. But their compactness and ease of use make them a very effective alternative to handcuffs. Considering making them available as backups to a quality pair of handcuffs.

It is important to consider all different aspect of handcuffs. When buying a new pair or resupplying you team's handcuffs take a look at the material used to make them, the styles available and how they will be used as well as some simple alternatives.

This article was written by Ray Eddings on behalf of ProfessionalSuppliesForLess.com. For more information about first responder equipment or handcuffs please visit http://professionalsuppliesforless.com.