S&W 104-1 High Security cuffs easily shimmed

[CCGearworks]

I made an interesting observation recently when playing around with Smith and Wesson model 104-1 high security handcuffs. While they can't be picked with the regular paperclip/bobby pin methods, they can be shimmed with ease when they are not double locked.

If anyone knows of a way to pick these high security cuffs I would be very interested in knowing!

For those who are interested in knowing what makes these cuffs different to normal Smith and Wesson cuffs, have a look at the following image:

[GWiens2001]

Judging by the picture, it should be easy enough.

Gordon

[smokingman]

You need a stronger piece of wire than a paper clip,and probably a bit thinner, then bend a " U " shape in the end that goes in the keyhole, mimicking the bit of the key and passing the ward.
Make a right angle for a handle and you are set.

[CCGearworks]

Thanks for the advice! It doesn't sound like you could do it when you are in the cuffs, but it shouldn't be too hard to do either. I will have to experiment with different types of wire at some point...

[smokingman]

If the pin and key specs are the same (other than the longer blade)
you could try cutting a standard key where the extra cut is in the supplied new key and inserting the key in and then turning a bit and then pulling it out just a bit , and continue turning .
Might take some trial and error , but if the blades are close enough in length it might work.
I don't have the measurements of both keys handy, but since you have the new cuffs you can compare the old and new key styles and see if it is feasible.

[MBI]

If the pin and key specs are the same (other than the longer blade...

They're not. The shaft of the key is a smaller outer diameter, and the clearance between the "key hole bushing" and "key pin", as they're labelled in that pic, is also smaller so you have less room to maneuver a pick.

[smokingman]

If the pin and key specs are the same (other than the longer blade...

They're not. The shaft of the key is a smaller outer diameter, and the clearance between the "key hole bushing" and "key pin", as they're labelled in that pic, is also smaller so you have less room to maneuver a pick.

Thanks for the info, I have some relatives in law enforcement and as soon as one of them gets a pair of these I will start working on a tool for them.
All my family members in LE carry my home brew tools.
Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy to know that.

[kwoswalt99-]

I think it's funny how they take a primitive lock design that's been around for thousands of years and label it "high security".

[MBI]

I think it's funny how they take a primitive lock design that's been around for thousands of years and label it "high security".

While they're labelled as high security, I think all these SW cuffs really are is an attempt to offer cuffs which can't be opened with a standard cuff key.

[GWiens2001]

Yeah, if you want some high security cuffs, get the ones with an ASSA Desmo lock and key. Yes, they do make them.

Gordon

[MacGyver101]

Yeah, if you want some high security cuffs, get the ones with an ASSA Desmo lock and key. Yes, they do make them.

I've got a pair of those (with the Medeco cylinders, but otherwise the same model). They're very cool... but the main problem I see with them is that they're just a normal set of handcuffs that they've wrapped with a plastic molding and a high-security cylinder. The tailpiece of the cylinder is, literally, the bit end of a handcuff key that goes into the keyway that's hidden under the plastic: if you break the plastic off, what's underneath is just a normal set of cuffs. US Patent 6,349,574.

[GWiens2001]

Yeah, if you want some high security cuffs, get the ones with an ASSA Desmo lock and key. Yes, they do make them.

I've got a pair of those (with the Medeco cylinders, but otherwise the same model). They're very cool... but the main problem I see with them is that they're just a normal set of handcuffs that they've wrapped with a plastic molding and a high-security cylinder. The tailpiece of the cylinder is, literally, the bit end of a handcuff key that goes into the keyway that's hidden under the plastic: if you break the plastic off, what's underneath is just a normal set of cuffs. US Patent 6,349,574.

So much for high security!

Gordon

[AspiringLockpicker]

Yuil branded, silicone lined (non light-weight) models are pretty secure. Not impossible to pick but are as close to being impossible to shim as it gets I think. Plus picking them would be mighty tough due to smaller keyway, tighter tolerances and a split pawl requiring a split bit key making picking so much more difficult.

[nite0wl]

Hate to necro a thread but I just got a set of S&W 104's today and have been playing around with them.
As MBI pointed out the key's shaft, the key hole, and the center pin are all much smaller than a standard handcuff key. I have yet to fully pick them but I have found that a thin paper clip with a "U" shaped bend at the end is able to fit between the key hole bushing and the center post, while the wire is not strong enough to lift the pawl, it is strong enough to coax the double lock into the 'off' position which then allows you to apply a shim as you would on any other pair of S&W handcuffs.

[nite0wl]

And just to add a bit to the diagram CCGearworks posted at the beginning, I just got a second pair of 104s to turn into a cutaway. Here is the interior:

As you can see, aside from the keyway bushing and the sunken 'key pin base" the internals are exactly the same as what you will find on other S&W cuffs with the slot style double lock.