Gimmicking handcuffs

[int3grate]

I bought a couple pairs of some cheap (but working) handcuffs from harbor freight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/chain-swiv ... 98798.html

I would like to find a way to gimmick them so they can be easily (and quickly) opened without tools (shims or picks), but could be cursorily inspected.

I know most escape artists just file down the paws until you can yank them open with a little force. I was thinking that there has to be a way that I could do it were the cuffs have to be ratcheted into a certain position before they can be unlocked. That would allow me to put them on a spectator first, just to ensure they are real Also, if I file down all the paws, the cuffs won't make as nice a sound when they are put on.

Does anyone have any ideas on the best way to accomplish this?

[Dpruente]

I might be able to help you with that. I'll have to get a few pairs, head to the shop, and try some things. Handcuffs are very simple by nature, which is part of why they're pretty secure. I suppose I could figure out a mechanism to use one of the rivets as a button to unlock them, then you'd only have to practice what rivet to hit and they'll pop off. It might take a month to figure out, but I bet i could do it

[Dpruente]

Nevermind. Your secret to making such a mechanism is the swivel. You figure out a way to make the swivels on each cuff trip the unlocking mechanism, as if you were turning the key. It could end up being as simple as a piece of spring steel, or as complicated as a swiss pocketwatch. I take it you're trying to use this for some sort of magic presentation?

[rphillips52]

The usual way to gimmick ratchet handcuffs, suitable if you have thick enough wrists, is to reshape only the first few ratchet teeth, so that if the swinging arm is closed onto only a few teeth, it can still be pulled back open. To demonstrate the cuffs are genuine and really do lock, put them on someone with really thin wrists and close the cuffs tightly. And take them off quickly, before they do hurt! Reshape only as many teeth as are needed to free yourself; and slightly adjust the rest so they still hold but the difference in shape is a little less than originally. You should need a sharp pull to free yourself. and have a duplicate key handy... . there are also some discreetly disguised and non-metallic keys made for the common type of swing-through cuffs as shown in your link. And a little tip - remove the doublelocking pin from the key you show the spectators; for even more insurance, neatly block the doublelock hole with solder.
If your own wrists are too small for the above, carefully reshape all the teeth; and then discreetly doublelock on the spectator, but do not allow the spectator a key to doublelock on you, or see a key with a doublelock pin.