An odd question

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

Well in Hollywood that looks great but in reality, we (fire department) would use bolt cutters, not pliers, to snap off stuck cuffs. It's not the first time we've done that and it won't be the last. The last pair I had to remove were marked "Stainless Steel".

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

Mr. Firefighter,
Really, you would use bolt cutters?
I would think you would scare a great many people and the risk of hurting someone if the cuffs are on tight, might be great.

I would have figured you guys would certainly have a handcuff key in a desk drawer somewhere or an arson investigator certainly does.

Perhaps a passing patrolman could assist on the call.

Just my thoughts

mark
O--O

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

Mr. Lyons, don't question my job. Are you on a fire department like me? If you are, then you can question my job and you would have the knowledge available to do my job! Yes, small bolt cutters carried on the rescue squad works just fine. You obviously have to be careful of the persons skin but they get them off. How in the world do you think the fire department has handcuff keys just sitting on a rig? The call I had, the cops couldn't get the cuffs off because they were stuck, and they were trying to use a key (one cuff)! We used our small bolt cutters (YES BOLT CUTTERS) to remove the one stuck cuff. The guy was fine and was moved into the lockup.
I'll bet you think firemen just whip out an acetylene torch and burn the cuffs off?? Get real dude!

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

Hey Mark, this is why you don't reply to those who don't have a track record here or email address.

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

I'm a fireman too. I have a track record here. I'll question your job. I use pliers that are in the glove box of the truck to get cuffs off. This is wat you do not bold cutters.

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/nov/2 ... ng-stories

the jobs firefighter live for

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

Mr Firefighter,

I believe I can question your job all day long.
Having graduated from the fire academy does, in no way, make you an expert on removing handcuffs from humans who are so stupid as to not testing the cuffs before their application of them.
The right to question you about using bolt cutters is not the same as; what material is best to extinguish a fire in a fertilizer factory.
As a locksmith and quasi magician/escape artist, I think I can easily question your ability to remove stuck handcuffs and win a debate about the most effective technique to open handcuffs. I can almost guarantee you that I have opened handcuffs with no key far longer than you have been fighting fires.

To answer your question, yes, I am on a fire department. I was trained and as and am a CERT volunteer. No, I do not have the years of experience fighting fires that you do. I will applaud you for your service and risking your life for the public good.
I am also a graduate of the police academy. On a side note. on our first cuff day, one of my fellow cadets did get locked up with a defective Peerless. I did NOT grab a bolt cutter nor did that thought ever enter my mind. A shim did. And it worked just fine.

I NEVER suggested that all shiny red fire trucks should be expected to have a handcuff key. I said an arson guy (who is also a sworn officer of the law) would have a key on his person OR a press of the microphone button might produce a roving man in blue, who would also has a key on his person. Both resources are available to you before the bolt cutters are taken out applied. Being that you are haunting these pages of a handcuff forum, you seem to have an interest in cuffs. Why don't you buy a handcuff key and let the guys in your squad know that you now posess one? Then, if they get on a handcuff call out, they can count on you to save the day?
Your original reply did not contain the fact that the cops tried their handcuff key without the desired results, but with a $2 purchase you will not only comfort the victim, you will save the cuff.

As far as your last question? Do I think you whip out an acetylene torch to burn the cuffs off?
No I never said that!!! I suppose if I found myself in the situation in which a defective Kimball remained on my wrist, and happened to be in your jurisdiction (which I won't, by choice), I would expect YOU to do the following; get your little EMT bag out of the rig and grab a scalpel. Then proceed to remove enough flesh and bone off my hand and slip what remains on my arm, out of the unresponsive restraint.

Now that is what I would call public service!!!

Mark
O--O

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

Hey, leave the fireman alone. I get so sick of members of the public who are self proclaimed 'experts' at everything. I'm a police officer and our F.D. had to use bolt cutters on a stupid guy that cuffed his girlfriend to a railing as a joke using cheap chinese cuffs that were stuck on. It's not a big deal and firefighters do this on these type of calls. Maybe you should quit puffing your chest out and realize that there are different ways to remove handcuffs in an emergency instead of calling self proclaimed 'expert' lock pickers.

Have a nice day!
Frank C.

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

Frank, do you know anybody named Nick?

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

No Chuck sorry I don't. I do know of an Enrico Caruso, the italian tenor. I sure can't sing like him but I do have the italian attitude, great for being a cop!

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

I do have 30 years in the Fire Service and to claim you would use even "small" bolt cutters on a stuck handcuff is absurd. It's absurd because you have no real experience in doing the job you claim you do. Because as a "rescue" technician on the Johnny & Roy Sqaud you would know that using a hydralic rescue tool to cut a piece of metal when someone is impaled upon it there is an equal and opposite reaction which would futher cause injury. That very same principle is why NOBODY would use a bolt cutter on a person with a stuck piece of metal on any limb or finger. There is this thing called a ring cutter or a hacksaw that won't create that negative reaction of twisting or further impaling an object that WILL further cause injury. And when you use a hacksaw or ring cutter you use a lubricant to prevent a heat build up so your cutting mechanism does it's job. Mr. Firefighter, IF you are a firefighter then you are an uneducated and trained member of the emergency services and like anything in the emergency services, in trainig you are put in the same situations that you would or could experience on the streets. The Hippocratic oath you swear to when joining the emergency services requires that you DO NO HARM !! What you allege you did to remove handcuffs off a limb would certainly do harm! Try it yourself and find out if you don't believe me because that is the truth !! Not some idiot on a public forum seeking attention or looking for an arguement, so please go away !

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

Thanks Frank. I once knew a guy named Frank Nick Caruso.

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

Gentlemen,

I feel this discussion is going nowhere, because most of it is hypthetical or Hollywood.

Give it a rest, and have a nice Sunday.

Nils

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

Hey Common Sense, you sound like NO SENSE! You obviously don't have 30 years in any fire service as evident by the bullsh** you are spewing here. I think you're one of those ESDA guys that are just another wannabe looking for attention. You can now go away thank you!

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

Sorry to spark off this kind of flame war, it was just a question, oy.

So I suppose that would be a "no" to the question then. Odd because Emergency! was a procedural but still it is "Hollywood" so I guess it was more of a dramatic license thing. I actually found the argument about using heavy duty equipment funny as in the show, the fireman teases the kids by suggesting he would use a rotary saw on them, before going for his pliers.

thanks anyway

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

Jourell,

I have not seen any other postings of yours, so I am assuming that this is among your first.

I am sorry that there was so much negativity and infantile behavior with your legitimate question.

I truly was amazed when I read the bit about the bolt cutters. I was sincere about asking why a different technique wasn't utilized. You saw the childlike response from one who claims to be a professional first responder in his community.

He strangely took such an offensive position and I have no idea who he is or why he is so amped up over an honest question.

This odd behavior is not what I would expect to find with someone working with all kinds of people in his community. This lends to be believe that he is not working in the capacity in which he claims to be. If indeed he is, his employer made a bad decision.

I am sure he will post another senseless diatribe in just a few moments and I will NOT stoop to his level and continue his ranting.

I just want you to know that if you came here to look for valid answers to good questions, you will most likely find them here without such toxicity.

Thanks again for coming here and I trust your future queries will be met with a much more professional approach.


mark
O--O

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

Yes, this is my first, and so far only, thread. I actually have very little interest in handcuffs; as I mentioned in my initial post it just seemed like a place to ask about something I saw on tv.

Don't worry about my getting a negative impression about the forums from this. Trolls are trolls, I realize that they are here regardless and most people here are probably serious and intelligent about the topic. One armchair "expert" giving misinformation and going on the offensive about it is relatively mild.

Thank you for your concern, and thank you to the members for the more serious responses.

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

Jourell,

Go down to your local fire department and ask them what they would do. That will put your question to rest and the guys would be happy you stopped by. I'm sure you will find the real answer there. Remember, some people around here who got a whole five seconds of fame on TV think they are 'experts' and let their ego's spin violently out of control. I'm sure that's what percieved 'fame' does to a person and seperates real life situations from fairy tale land. Good Day!

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

Firefighters are very heroic people they save lives and are obviously very important in society but isn't a standard handcuff key that will fit 90 % of today's modern cuffs a lot easier to Cary than a set of bolt cutters . And puts the victim in less danger of being injured by the bolt cutters. I have to agree with mark.

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

I think we're talking situations here where the cuff is stuck and can't be opened with a key. You can call any cop to the scene and get a key.

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

I agree with Mark and firefighters get paid to be 'heroes' so do cops, ambos, surgeons, hospital staff, prison staff etc etc, the list is endless.

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

I hate to add more to this thread but on a side note: Ian, I'm not sure where you're from but a large majority of the fire departments in the USA are not paid, they're volunteer. I applaud anyone who volunteer's their time but you can tell the difference between a paid professional and a volunteer. I suspect the resident fireman here is a volunteer by his responses.

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

Dr. Brackett,
You are an idiot!

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

Hi Andy, I appreciate your comment and know where you are coming from. We have paid and unpaid fire-fighters ( MFB paid CFA mainly unpaid.) Both are both trained to do their job. They choose to do what they do and while Victoria (where I live ) burns during our fire season, I thank and admire those on the front line. In Australia for most part, you don't give the title hero unless you do something out of the ordinary. If just the risk of ones job or task makes you a hero, the all parachutists are heroes. Our military personal serve their country and are held in high esteem but not all are deemed heroes by default. That would be like saying ever priest is a good man.

Footnote, If the author of the 'firefighter" posts above was a real hero, he would tell us who he was. I assume that he is not in the USA because he doesn't have the liberty to be open and honest.

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

Dear Mark Lyons, I totaly agree with you about trying the handcuffs to make sure they unlock, before trying them on. I hope one day I am lucky enough to own a kimball handcuff. Sincerely Brian Gleason. What happened to people common sense?????. You are right on the money, also thank you for being a public servent, volunteer or full time. thank you for you;re service.

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

Mark Lyons, you are my hero ! you can eat me under the table at In and Out burger.

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

Dear Mark Lyons, I totaly agree with you about trying the handcuffs to make sure they unlock, before trying them on. I hope one day I am lucky enough to own a kimball handcuff. Sincerely Brian Gleason. What happened to people common sense?????. You are right on the money, also thank you for being a public servent, volunteer or full time. thank you for you;re service.

I have a bit of an odd question that's probably very off topic but this seemed like a place to ask.

I was just watching an episode of the old 70s tv show Emergency! and it depicted a firefighter opening a set of cuffs with a pair of pliers (in the show a couple of kids were messing around with the cuffs and while one was locked in, his sister stole the key and dropped it down a storm drain).

They didn`t actually show the procedure, possibly for security reasons, but as depicted it took just a couple of seconds and there was no visible damage to the cuffs. I was wondering how accurate something like that would be.

I remember watching a reality tv show in the UK about 10 years ago where the fire brigade were called to a person who had been handcuffed to a street pole. It turned out someone on a stag do had been handcuffed to the pole by his friends who had pulled his trousers down and run off.

The police were there but as the cuffs were the cheap Taiwanese model the standard cuff key wouldn't work. The fire fighters used the 'jaws of life' tool I recall to remove the cuffs. They crushed the cheek plates and the cuff came right off.

It was the first time I had seen the jaws of life used in anything but a traffic accident however subsequently have seen it used to break a warehouse door lock of a building on fire as well.