What the best police handcuffs ?

Chain:
ASP Model 100, Chicago Model X-33, Hiatts Model 2010, Peerless Model 700, Smith & wesson Model 100, Smith & Wesson Model 1, Winchester Model WN-40.

Hinged:
Hiatts Model 2050, Peerless Model 801, Smith & Wesson Model 300, Smith & Wesson Model 1 Hinged.

Leg Iron:
Hiatts Model 5020, Peerless Model 703, Smith & Wesson Model 1900.

High Security: Hiatts Model HSS9, Peerless Model 710, Smith & Wesson Model 104.

I think that will depend on everyone's own opinion. I for eg. still lik the S&W series but someone else might like the Peerless. Lets see what everyone elses opinion is.

Chain:
ASP Model 100, Chicago Model X-33, Hiatts Model 2010, Peerless Model 700, Smith & wesson Model 100, Smith & Wesson Model 1, Winchester Model WN-40.

Hinged:
Hiatts Model 2050, Peerless Model 801, Smith & Wesson Model 300, Smith & Wesson Model 1 Hinged.

Leg Iron:
Hiatts Model 5020, Peerless Model 703, Smith & Wesson Model 1900.

High Security: Hiatts Model HSS9, Peerless Model 710, Smith & Wesson Model 104.

Click to expand...

Hi
I would say lips hinged or deutsche polizei
the saf lok mark V is also a good cuff

regards

Patrick

Chain:
ASP Model 100, Chicago Model X-33, Hiatts Model 2010, Peerless Model 700, Smith & wesson Model 100, Smith & Wesson Model 1, Winchester Model WN-40.

Hinged:
Hiatts Model 2050, Peerless Model 801, Smith & Wesson Model 300, Smith & Wesson Model 1 Hinged.

Leg Iron:
Hiatts Model 5020, Peerless Model 703, Smith & Wesson Model 1900.

High Security: Hiatts Model HSS9, Peerless Model 710, Smith & Wesson Model 104.

Click to expand...

Well first one would have to define best, and what circumstances are we talking about here...

-Dorson(watch out for that word assume)

Chain:
ASP Model 100, Chicago Model X-33, Hiatts Model 2010, Peerless Model 700, Smith & wesson Model 100, Smith & Wesson Model 1, Winchester Model WN-40.

Hinged:
Hiatts Model 2050, Peerless Model 801, Smith & Wesson Model 300, Smith & Wesson Model 1 Hinged.

Leg Iron:
Hiatts Model 5020, Peerless Model 703, Smith & Wesson Model 1900.

High Security: Hiatts Model HSS9, Peerless Model 710, Smith & Wesson Model 104.

Click to expand...

Good point Dorson, everybody has opinions and the cuffs aforenamed are all NIJ approved , so here we go with personal preference again. Maybe we can set a guideline as follows: FINISH,
DURABILITY,
EASE OF USE ,
DEPENDABILITY,
VALUE,
and SECURITY (Hardest to shim, etc)
Maybe those ideas would be a good starting place. If sticking with the cuffs listed, it might get a lively discussion going, eh? I personally prefer the Peerless model 400 to anything I have found, but have also been using the ASP cuffs recently. I also like the Smith model 90 series of cuffs better than anything they have come out with since. We will definatley need input from the Escaper's here, as I don't know which are the hardest or easiest to manipulate without a key. I got a shim and hook set from Shawn and thus far I have got a couple unlocked, but mainly have sore fingers. It sure isn't as easy as I thought it would be!
Take care,
Tim

Chain:
ASP Model 100, Chicago Model X-33, Hiatts Model 2010, Peerless Model 700, Smith & wesson Model 100, Smith & Wesson Model 1, Winchester Model WN-40.

Hinged:
Hiatts Model 2050, Peerless Model 801, Smith & Wesson Model 300, Smith & Wesson Model 1 Hinged.

Leg Iron:
Hiatts Model 5020, Peerless Model 703, Smith & Wesson Model 1900.

High Security: Hiatts Model HSS9, Peerless Model 710, Smith & Wesson Model 104.

Click to expand...

Hi Tim1, I think working off your list is the best way to go. I met on security guard once who says he prefers cheap cuffs, because he loses so many pairs a year with cops taking away a suspect, with his cuffs still on. (not the best reason but a reason.)

The shims I sell through cannon's great escapes ( and yes it's a plug!) work well on most modern makes ( may need to have the width reduced for some, best is .2mm Crinoline spring steel and I haven't found and standard mechanism cuff it won't open.

As Joe Fox said on another thread if it uses the same old key, it easy. The mechanism and the key have to be different. The key need to be small but difficult to copy. the keyhole needs to be small to stop tools going it. The springs of the mechanism will need to firm enough to resist or bend and tool small enough to go into the keyhole.

Above all, knowledge of the product, the methods of opening them without a key and the limitations of the product should be well understood. Then the best personal choice can be made.

If I was an officer, I would use (correctly) the SAF-LOK, chain or hinged.

Ian

Chain:
ASP Model 100, Chicago Model X-33, Hiatts Model 2010, Peerless Model 700, Smith & wesson Model 100, Smith & Wesson Model 1, Winchester Model WN-40.

Hinged:
Hiatts Model 2050, Peerless Model 801, Smith & Wesson Model 300, Smith & Wesson Model 1 Hinged.

Leg Iron:
Hiatts Model 5020, Peerless Model 703, Smith & Wesson Model 1900.

High Security: Hiatts Model HSS9, Peerless Model 710, Smith & Wesson Model 104.

Click to expand...

Hi Ian, I have a pair of the first model SAF-LOKS, but not a key. I got the cuffs for 10 bucks at a flea market in Arkansas and have a hard time paying 20 bucks for a damn key. I don't think the shim quality is as much in question as is me not having a clue what I am doing but trying it anyways
Do you have any problem with the model 90's as far as shimming? The springs seem so stiff I haven't got a pair open yet...
As far as the cuff poll, I have a pair of each laid out and am going thru them now trying to rank them in the categories I made up. It's not an easy choice, so far I have about decided the finish edge goes to Hiatts nickle plate, it is almost flawless on the 50 or so various pairs I have. Back to the den...
Tim

Chain:
ASP Model 100, Chicago Model X-33, Hiatts Model 2010, Peerless Model 700, Smith & wesson Model 100, Smith & Wesson Model 1, Winchester Model WN-40.

Hinged:
Hiatts Model 2050, Peerless Model 801, Smith & Wesson Model 300, Smith & Wesson Model 1 Hinged.

Leg Iron:
Hiatts Model 5020, Peerless Model 703, Smith & Wesson Model 1900.

High Security: Hiatts Model HSS9, Peerless Model 710, Smith & Wesson Model 104.

Click to expand...

From what I've heard and seen, the "Gotcha" should be on this list. Unfortunately I can't get one to play with. Email if you know how to get them.
Stan

I have a few of the new GK Training or "instruction" cuff. They are now in BRIGHT BLUE anodized aluminum. email if interested.
Stan

Chain:
ASP Model 100, Chicago Model X-33, Hiatts Model 2010, Peerless Model 700, Smith & wesson Model 100, Smith & Wesson Model 1, Winchester Model WN-40.

Hinged:
Hiatts Model 2050, Peerless Model 801, Smith & Wesson Model 300, Smith & Wesson Model 1 Hinged.

Leg Iron:
Hiatts Model 5020, Peerless Model 703, Smith & Wesson Model 1900.

High Security: Hiatts Model HSS9, Peerless Model 710, Smith & Wesson Model 104.

Click to expand...

Hi Tim, No problem with the S&W90.
Hints on shimming.
1)insert shim until it hits the pawl.
2)pull back slightly.
3)close bow until it is between notches.
4)Hold shim firm to the bow and push both inward at the same time.
5) once the shim is then under the pawl,push just the shim in further and then pull back on the bow.

Let me know how you go.

The S&W 94 had a shim trap (small cut out in the front edge of the three pawls to resist shimming, but getting the pawl to ride up the teeth of the bow before pushing in the shim would defeat this.

SAF-LOK worth over $180.00 and you don't want to pay $20.00 for a key, cheap skate (LOL)

The Hiatt Reliant had meshing teeth like the new Gotcha, although the idea is good to stop shimming, I have always wondered why Hiatts didn't continue it. I fear that is the frame is bent for any reason, dropping, misuse, opening bear bottle? that the cog and rack won't align properly.

Many theories to check out to assist in possible improvements if any are required by as Stan says, why cannot we get any and if so where?

Ian

Chain:
ASP Model 100, Chicago Model X-33, Hiatts Model 2010, Peerless Model 700, Smith & wesson Model 100, Smith & Wesson Model 1, Winchester Model WN-40.

Hinged:
Hiatts Model 2050, Peerless Model 801, Smith & Wesson Model 300, Smith & Wesson Model 1 Hinged.

Leg Iron:
Hiatts Model 5020, Peerless Model 703, Smith & Wesson Model 1900.

High Security: Hiatts Model HSS9, Peerless Model 710, Smith & Wesson Model 104.

Click to expand...

I've used Peerless, Hiatts, S&W, & HWC. I like the S&W Model 90's the best but they're not made anymore. I'm not sure why S&W won't bring these back. Anyway, I now carry Hiatts (one chain/one hinged). I've found the Hiatts to be the best for me. I like the HWC stainless steel model but they're not NIJ certified. The HWC's are the only cuffs that resemble the old S&W Model 90's.

Chain:
ASP Model 100, Chicago Model X-33, Hiatts Model 2010, Peerless Model 700, Smith & wesson Model 100, Smith & Wesson Model 1, Winchester Model WN-40.

Hinged:
Hiatts Model 2050, Peerless Model 801, Smith & Wesson Model 300, Smith & Wesson Model 1 Hinged.

Leg Iron:
Hiatts Model 5020, Peerless Model 703, Smith & Wesson Model 1900.

High Security: Hiatts Model HSS9, Peerless Model 710, Smith & Wesson Model 104.

Click to expand...

Hi Tim, the shim w/ the handle is Bigelow's the one that I sent without the handle is Cannon's, I personally like theirs for the S&W 94, I think there is a hint in the back of Correlation on getting cut fingers from shims.

Take Care,
Shawn

Chain:
ASP Model 100, Chicago Model X-33, Hiatts Model 2010, Peerless Model 700, Smith & wesson Model 100, Smith & Wesson Model 1, Winchester Model WN-40.

Hinged:
Hiatts Model 2050, Peerless Model 801, Smith & Wesson Model 300, Smith & Wesson Model 1 Hinged.

Leg Iron:
Hiatts Model 5020, Peerless Model 703, Smith & Wesson Model 1900.

High Security: Hiatts Model HSS9, Peerless Model 710, Smith & Wesson Model 104.

Click to expand...

Hi Shawn, good to see you are selling my shims. I should have stamped my business name on them.

In all my years I have never been injured by a shim, it is all in the use, however as it is guilotined spring steel some sharp areas will occur and can be smoothed off with wet&dry emery paper.

Ian

Chain:
ASP Model 100, Chicago Model X-33, Hiatts Model 2010, Peerless Model 700, Smith & wesson Model 100, Smith & Wesson Model 1, Winchester Model WN-40.

Hinged:
Hiatts Model 2050, Peerless Model 801, Smith & Wesson Model 300, Smith & Wesson Model 1 Hinged.

Leg Iron:
Hiatts Model 5020, Peerless Model 703, Smith & Wesson Model 1900.

High Security: Hiatts Model HSS9, Peerless Model 710, Smith & Wesson Model 104.

Click to expand...

Hi Larry,

just curious: what makes the M-90 better than their successors M-100 or Model 1?

Regards,
Atame

Chain:
ASP Model 100, Chicago Model X-33, Hiatts Model 2010, Peerless Model 700, Smith & wesson Model 100, Smith & Wesson Model 1, Winchester Model WN-40.

Hinged:
Hiatts Model 2050, Peerless Model 801, Smith & Wesson Model 300, Smith & Wesson Model 1 Hinged.

Leg Iron:
Hiatts Model 5020, Peerless Model 703, Smith & Wesson Model 1900.

High Security: Hiatts Model HSS9, Peerless Model 710, Smith & Wesson Model 104.

Click to expand...

Hi Ian,

I'm not selling your shim, I was giving it away to Tim, he wanted different things he could use in police training so I sold him a Bigelow set at wholesale and threw one of yours in, I don't use them much and they were getting rusty sitting in my basement I noticed your post above about selling shims so I thought I'd give him one.

I'm just so used to the Bigelow's it has been my preference, nothing personal.

Shawn

Chain:
ASP Model 100, Chicago Model X-33, Hiatts Model 2010, Peerless Model 700, Smith & wesson Model 100, Smith & Wesson Model 1, Winchester Model WN-40.

Hinged:
Hiatts Model 2050, Peerless Model 801, Smith & Wesson Model 300, Smith & Wesson Model 1 Hinged.

Leg Iron:
Hiatts Model 5020, Peerless Model 703, Smith & Wesson Model 1900.

High Security: Hiatts Model HSS9, Peerless Model 710, Smith & Wesson Model 104.

Click to expand...

Hi Atame,

Personal preference is my reason. I don't like the model 100's as well as the model 90's. I have a set of 100P's (I hate the double lock slot). While cuffing combative subjects, the arm of my S/W model 100's hits the body of the cuff while swinging around, thus not engaging. My other officers have had this problem with their 100's also. It's still a great set of cuffs. It's just that my model 90's don't hit the body of the cuff when engaging. It doesn't do this all the time either, just sometimes when someone's combative. I also prefer the tighter ratchet that the model 90's have. This is why I primarily use Hiatts now. I get a tight ratchet, the cuff arm swings through securely, and I like the preload feature Hiatts have. I guess you get my point by now!

Have a good day!
Larry

Chain:
ASP Model 100, Chicago Model X-33, Hiatts Model 2010, Peerless Model 700, Smith & wesson Model 100, Smith & Wesson Model 1, Winchester Model WN-40.

Hinged:
Hiatts Model 2050, Peerless Model 801, Smith & Wesson Model 300, Smith & Wesson Model 1 Hinged.

Leg Iron:
Hiatts Model 5020, Peerless Model 703, Smith & Wesson Model 1900.

High Security: Hiatts Model HSS9, Peerless Model 710, Smith & Wesson Model 104.

Click to expand...

How Much are the FREE Shims. Andy,

Chain:
ASP Model 100, Chicago Model X-33, Hiatts Model 2010, Peerless Model 700, Smith & wesson Model 100, Smith & Wesson Model 1, Winchester Model WN-40.

Hinged:
Hiatts Model 2050, Peerless Model 801, Smith & Wesson Model 300, Smith & Wesson Model 1 Hinged.

Leg Iron:
Hiatts Model 5020, Peerless Model 703, Smith & Wesson Model 1900.

High Security: Hiatts Model HSS9, Peerless Model 710, Smith & Wesson Model 104.

Click to expand...

Hi Larry,

thank you for the detailed answer. I always thought that the double lock slots of M-100 are an advantage, because they are easier to "hit", making the double locking process faster. But maybe I am wrong – I am just a collector and not an officer .

BTW: I think that some newer models are of worse quality than former models of the same companies. At least concerning the quality of the finish (e.g. blind rivets). To name some examples: the new Alcyon model 5050 from Spain (it has also sharper edges than former Alcyon models) or Peerless model 700 compared e.g. to model 300.

Regards,
Atame aka Guenter