Homemade Handcuff key

[Rebel]

1st off I wanted to make sure this was in the proper area. I think it fits. 2nd, here is some background on me:

Twenty year old male in Texas, going to college and picking stuff in spare time as a hobby you could say. Picking objects that I own (pad-locks, tumblers, still tryin to figure out my combo safe).

Ok, so the title of this was "Homemade Handcuff Key". I have a pair of handcuffs that I had received from an Austin Police Officer when I was 12. The maker is Smith & Wesson and the model number is M-100. Now my question is what type of matierial or metal or object would be good to make into a key for this? I have several sets of keys, to be able to pick this with out messing any of the "housing" or mechanical funktions of the lock.

I hope this all made sense and if someone can help me out here.

[MrB]

There have been threads discussing handcuffs not so long ago.

Have a go with the search button.

[Rebel]

thanks, will do.

[raimundo]

put your key in the lock, turn gently clockwise, at about 30 degrees, you will begin to pick up the pawl, you can also pick this pawl up with a short hook at the same place unless the shaft of the hook is too thick. Do you double lock, or whatever its called, push the little pin in so that they don't get tighter? To unlock that, you turn the key about 180 degrees anti clockwise. then you can feel it pick up the slider that locks the pawl, This slide can also be reached with a medium hook at the same place. Remember, the slider is half the thickness of the center lamination of the lock case, and is found on the side nearest the key hole, so reaching too deep will not get it.

[Rebel]

im familiar with how the mechism works, i just dont know how to make my own tool...ive been playin with these handcuffs for bout 8 yrs now...

[digital_blue]

Rebel: You can make a pick tool for this type of lock out of the same materials you would use for any other picks. Hacksaw blades, feeler gauges, etc. If you use feeler gauges, you would do well to use one of the thicker ones for a bit more strength. As raimundo said, a small hook shape will work, or you could work off the design of the actual key.

Having said that, I've never used a pick for handcuffs. I put a handcuff key on my keyring years ago, and I've always got it, so picking wouldn't be necessary. I've never been arrested, but being a magician, there have been a few occations where I've been called on to get out of handcuffs. Who would ever think that I had a key on me the whole time. This served to shock the heck out of a member of the Winnipeg Police Department one night in a restaurant. To this day, I'm sure he has no idea how "that magician" got out of *his* cuffs.

Anywho.... good luck and happy picking!

db

[Rebel]

Lol, nice story. I haven't been arrested before, nor do I plan to. Im studying to become a police officer. And yes I have a key on my keyring. But the knowledge of being able to pick at it is alot better than using the key.

I was fiddling with it earlier and used a pick with a slight curve to it(i dont know the tech term just yet). and mangaged to get it released.

[digital_blue]

Great! You'll find, in time, that those are about the easiest to open. One simple lever, not hard to access. You can pick them quite simply with a bent hairpin.

Just a note, because I'm sure there is somebody about to correct me. There are actually many, many different models/styles of handcuffs. Some of them have actual pin tumbler locks. Some have considerably more complicated lever locks.

Having said that, the overwhelming majority of the cuffs one will encounter are the standard cuffs we've been discussing. I was actually quite surprised that the key that I have from a cheap set of cuffs I bought at a magic shop (like any ordinary novely shop will sell) will open the cuffs carried by the Winnipeg Police.

Anyway, good work on the cuffs, and happy picking!

db

[Rebel]

so you have a novelty set of cuffs, cause mine are issued...

[digital_blue]

Yeah, they're a novelty pair. They're pretty solid, though. They have to pass the inspection of an audience member. Mine are gimmicked to all get out, though, but ... that's show biz.

db

[noctaeon]

I have stated previously i am also a magician and i have been wondering about picking cuffs cuz i know some cop will ask me sometime to try it...

I friend told me a z pattern witha paperclip works he is also a magician and into escapes thanks for the help and if anything else is revealed as a method plz let me know

also what gaffs are in place on ya cuffs digital
prvt msg me im curious...

[raimundo]

don't be so sure, a paperclip is very soft metal, and cuffs are seldom oiled, this is particularly important if the cuff is 'double locked', better to make a pick just for cuffs, and make sure it fits the doublelocker, to just lift the pawl, the the post in the middle of the keyway is not a problem, but to open the double lock, you have to negociate the thinnest part of the keyway.

[tigrr]

For many years the magic shop in Melbourne (not sure if it's still run by Tim Ellis) has sold a "handcuff pick" set for a couple dollars.

Nothing new, just a heavy-duty hair pin with the plastic bits removed and bent into a 'V' shape for control. Just a matter of putting pressure on the ratchet/clasp mechanism that catches the teeth.

Of course this doesn't work with handcuffs that don't have the ratchet/teeth mechanism. In those cases it is often easier to pick the cuff than to bypass the lock.

Might I suggest visiting Joe Lauher's handcuff site (nice photos of vintage cuffs). Or Escapology1 escapology supplies in Canada just to get a sense of what's available (extra cuff keys, miniature picks, etc.)

Happy pickin. B.