Proper handing of cuffs

What is the proper way of determining the handing of a set of cuffs?
(ie:left cuff from right cuff)

I was just wondering, because I always seem to have trouble when it comes to communicating specific handing to another person.

I was always under under the assumption that the keyholes dictate the handing..........Correct?

Also with items such as "ASP's" where both sides have keyholes, it confuses me even more, as does darbies, because the keyholes aren't on either side.

Is there some sort of definitive set of rules, or at very least a general guide to follow to determine handing?


Thanks in advance! --Vince


PS. I assume I'm not the only person with this dillema

In general with swing through cuffs of modern vintage(Peerless, S&W, American Handcuff, Etc.) you want the keyholes easy for the person who has to unlock them. This means that the bows are on the outside, not towards the body. Many years ago in the instructions with name brand handcuffs they even state this and further, the keyholes facing upwards. Now you mention darby's, the same holds true, you want easy access to the keyholes. Even the French, Spanish and some German handcuffs have there keyholes futher back from where the bows enter the cuffs but they still keep the bows away from the the body. I like some of the designs where the chain is connected at the corner of the lock case. This tends to have a natural, comfortable position behind the back as well as in front. The ususal disclaimers apply and your milage may vary.....

-Dorson

What is the proper way of determining the handing of a set of cuffs?
(ie:left cuff from right cuff)

I was just wondering, because I always seem to have trouble when it comes to communicating specific handing to another person.

I was always under under the assumption that the keyholes dictate the handing..........Correct?

Also with items such as "ASP's" where both sides have keyholes, it confuses me even more, as does darbies, because the keyholes aren't on either side.

Is there some sort of definitive set of rules, or at very least a general guide to follow to determine handing?


Thanks in advance! --Vince


PS. I assume I'm not the only person with this dillema

Click to expand...

I'm not sure about the handing designation, but I do know that Dorson's explanation is completely wrong as to Officer Safety. The keyholes go towards the suspects body, away from his fingers so that he cannot easily pick the locks. This is a very basic principal taught at all US police academys. Even though it is more difficult to unlock for the officer we don't want to make it easy for the perp.

What is the proper way of determining the handing of a set of cuffs?
(ie:left cuff from right cuff)

I was just wondering, because I always seem to have trouble when it comes to communicating specific handing to another person.

I was always under under the assumption that the keyholes dictate the handing..........Correct?

Also with items such as "ASP's" where both sides have keyholes, it confuses me even more, as does darbies, because the keyholes aren't on either side.

Is there some sort of definitive set of rules, or at very least a general guide to follow to determine handing?


Thanks in advance! --Vince


PS. I assume I'm not the only person with this dillema

Click to expand...

Dave,
We are just going to have to agree to disagree respectfully... I think we both agree on that the keyholes should be away from the hands to make it harder to get to the keyhole and easier for the officier that has to unlock them. With cuffs like Peerless design, makes no preference really if the bows are towards or away from the body. S&W's, I prefer the bows towards the body to open them if they are on my wrists. Further, FLETC may teach one way and LAPD another and NYPD still another... Basically, you follow what that PD tells you how to do it.

-Dorson

What is the proper way of determining the handing of a set of cuffs?
(ie:left cuff from right cuff)

I was just wondering, because I always seem to have trouble when it comes to communicating specific handing to another person.

I was always under under the assumption that the keyholes dictate the handing..........Correct?

Also with items such as "ASP's" where both sides have keyholes, it confuses me even more, as does darbies, because the keyholes aren't on either side.

Is there some sort of definitive set of rules, or at very least a general guide to follow to determine handing?


Thanks in advance! --Vince


PS. I assume I'm not the only person with this dillema

Click to expand...

Maybe I was a bit unclear as to my question, I am asking from a collector's standpoint, rather than a user's one.

Picture a set of swing-thru cuffs laying on a table, keyholes facing you, single bows pointing upward. The LEFT hand cuff would be on the left, and the opposite cuff would be a RIGHT hand cuff. Is this correct? As I hear conflicting terms from fellow collectors regarding handing.

The second part of my question was about if handing still aplies to all cuff styles, and if so, what is used to determine proper handing?

(Sorry, if I seem anal)

THANKS!

What is the proper way of determining the handing of a set of cuffs?
(ie:left cuff from right cuff)

I was just wondering, because I always seem to have trouble when it comes to communicating specific handing to another person.

I was always under under the assumption that the keyholes dictate the handing..........Correct?

Also with items such as "ASP's" where both sides have keyholes, it confuses me even more, as does darbies, because the keyholes aren't on either side.

Is there some sort of definitive set of rules, or at very least a general guide to follow to determine handing?


Thanks in advance! --Vince


PS. I assume I'm not the only person with this dillema

Click to expand...

Your question was clear to me when I first read it, but it is not easy to answer. With many early cuffs, and some more modern ones, both cuffs are the same. There is no right or left hand. I don't think there is a clear answer. If the keyhole is up and down, I say lay the cuff flat so the bit of the key is facing down, and that means the movable bow might be at the bottom or it could be at the top. Of Course with cuffs that have keyholes like S&W, where the keyhole would be horizontal that changes. In that case I would say the movable bows should be at the bottom to determine handing. Others may use a different method for all of these choices. I think with cuffs like Peerless it is easy because the keyhole faces down and the wording is readable at the same time.
Anyone else have their idea ?