Which Handcuffs Are the Right Handcuffs

The average citizen likely thinks of handcuffs as the standard metal cuffs. Never mind that there is a great variety of handcuffs and restraints available and used everyday. One has to consider all of these different types of models and styles when buying or choosing new cuffs. Whether you need them for your job or it's your job to pick and supply new sets to an entire department or teams, it is important to consider the different styles, construction and uses of handcuffs. Here are a few points to consider.

Their Use

Of course the first and primary purpose of handcuffs is restraint. To accomplish this primary goal they should be made of quality material and be of a style that effectively restrains the wearer without any damage.

Their Construction

Available handcuffs are made from a variety of material. Options range from cheaper nickel plated models to stainless and carbon steel. Most cuffs will perform fine under most circumstances but it is important to know that they will hold up over time.

Their Fit

Our first impulse is to believe that no items of restraint can be too tight but of course this isn't true. Many models of handcuffs are designed to only tighten. Naturally this is a good thing when it comes to restraint but a bad thing when it comes to over tightening. Fortunately many models are available these days that are designed to prevent over tightening. A simple catch can prevent this and obviate some nightmare for you and your team on down the road if damage is done to the wearer.

Their Alternatives

For a long time handcuffs or shackles were the only option for wrist restraints. They are quick and relatively compact. However zip-ties are being increasingly used recently and they tend to be quite effective. Being plastic they can be cut and they do not come with any safety features so metal handcuffs remain the superior option. But for use as a backup or as an effective alternative, zip ties are a good choice.

Be sure to consider every different aspect of handcuffs. When purchasing a new pair or resupplying or replacing a team's supply take a look at the material they are made of, their styles and how they will be used as well as 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.