## How handcuffs work

Post by Harold » Wed May 16, 2012 11:56 am

I'm not talking about police cuffs, but the type sold at Party City and other stores. This type has a "Stop" switch (like the double-lock) and a working pivot connecting the chain to the cuff. When an old one failed I took it apart and took a few pictures. I always break off the safety release and grind it down even further. This cuff has slots in the jaw and only a starwheel comes in contact with it. The way the pawl plate/lever works, the starwheel works as the ratchet.

  Locking mechanism opened

### Re: How handcuffs work

Post by Harold » Wed May 16, 2012 12:14 pm

Screwdriver does when key would normally do.

  Cuff with "key" turned to open it.

This shows how the stop switch works. A slot in this small cylinder controlled by the stop switch on other side allows or prohibits the starwheel from moving.

  How stop switch works

Approximate location of hidden parts on working cuff. The starwheel is a little faint.

  Drawings of parts on working cuff.

In the first post, curved plates (look like dish antennas) channel the jaw onto the starwheel.