What is chain binding?

Hi,
I am a newbie. I now have 41 pairs. But I am confused about what chain binding is, how you do it, and how it risks security for a cop.
Would someone please explain it to me.
Thank you 
Mike

Thank you Glenn. I had no idea. That is a fascinating video. I wonder if he could still break the cuffs if the hands were behind his back with the palms facing out.

I don't know if it's possible to break them from behind or not, but never be surprised at what someone who is determined can accomplish. 

Chain binding has been discussed repeatedly and it's one of my biggest complaints about chain handcuffs... those in defense of chain binding claim it can not be accomplished behind your back because of leverage needed.. 

In my opinion until a company does something to address the problem you should view all chain handcuffs as vulnerable in any cuffed position.. It's probably more unlikely that this can be accomplished behind your back by most but someone with more muscular development might be able to pull it off..

Kind of sucks really that companies build good quality restraints but live in denial about the risk.... 

Really all they have to do is eliminate the double link and transition to a single link or ring link design... i am actually thinking about modifying a pair of chain handcuffs as an experiment with an medium sized o ring..

but i would have to find someone with supreme welding experience to make sure it is done correctly and with an equal grade of metal... plus i would have to find a way to polish the metal once the weld is completed.

The single ring or link in the center of a set of cuffs, a friend and I have done quite a few times. I know you are worried about chain binding, but i can assure you, it is not a widespread problem. In the instructions for handcuffs, it will tell you that they are a "temporary, restraining device." They also tell you to keep your eyes on the cuffed prisoner at all times. Most American Police cars have molded plastic seats, that your arms will fit in, behind you, while cuffed. Once secured with the seatbelt, for a standard transport to a jail, you wont be in a position where you would be able to bend and flex your arms, to possibly cause the chain to bind up. You may also look into using a disposable restraint, they can be pulled tighter and used behind the back. You could use a disposable on top of using a standard pair of cuffs, if you wanted to. That would block the prisoner from being able to cycle his wrists in a way to possibly cause the chain to bind. Chain binding is not a huge issue. If it were, major cuff companies would have changed the chain link design, long ago. The videos on youtube, show junk cuffs being snapped. The size of the shaft on the swivel and the metal it is made from, is a far cry, from the size and content of a swivel on like a S&W or Peerless cuff.
-Richard Knip-

pretty cool to see your modification.. just curious if you feel the modification you performed is up to national standards and could equalize to the resistance and tolerances of factory unmodified handcuffs from major brands?

also yes I understand the points you made and none are invalid but the purpose of handcuff application for professional use is simply safety.. and therefore I can't excuse engineering inconsideration on the defense they are temporary restraining devices..

professionals place some trust into these devices when used so they really shouldn't succumb to failure from human force and natural movements that result in binding fatigue.. 

the manufacturer can print whatever they want in the manual but the way i see it... if the security of your handcuffs depend on the seat mold of a police car to remain secure then perhaps you shouldn't be making handcuffs for professional use.. 

let's visit the pros and cons of peerless for example improving their chain design which i have mentioned in another thread... lets say peerless improved their next generation chain design as follows

a) add triple pawl (standard feature)
b) add retaining bars to separate the pawls (standard feature)
c) add three more teeth to each pawl for a total of six teeth for better contact (standard feature)
d) offer their chain model in a one bit and multi-bit key designs for higher security needs when desired (universal standard - multibit optional)
e) offer the chain model described above with single link options and ring linked options while keeping the handcuff length unchanged for range of motion control

someone is likely to say the cost will increase but any cost increase may be so insignificant that it doesn't matter.. because once the engineering improvements are complete and the molds are modified then mass production begins..

peerless handcuffs are inexpensive like others costing only between $23-$28 each pair for 700C.. asp ultra chain handcuffs on the other hand run above $40 each..

so while some believe cost prevents these changes.. i just don't see where the price would increase like some advertise.. security, law enforcement, corrections, and others are still buying asp and look at how expensive those handcuffs are..

so what if peerless increased another buck... if they build a better more advanced product i think their customer base can only benefit.. i see no real cons to doing this and their handcuffs are probably due for a refresh soon.. 

i would think these improvements could only help advance the reputation of the brand.. i mean peerless isnt going out of business anytime soon and so if you're reading this peerless... consider these improvements to your models..

What Richard said about chain binding makes a lot of sense and if it were such a great security issue when an innovation like Tuff Kuffs comes along the industry would probably pick up on it and run with it.

Spencer

You could take a step and go to Peerless's website and send a message to Mr. Chris Gill. He is the owner of Peerless. Its been in his family for many generations. If anyone could answer your questions, i think it would be the companies themselves, that could do the best job of explaining why they do or do not, do something? I think in this forum, we would just be spinning our wheels and still not know, how the companies that make handcuffs, actually feel about the topic. That would be my suggestion, anyway. Chris is a great guy! Very knowledgeable on the Peerless products, of course. Unfortunately, S&W are not as open to talking with collectors. Handcuffs just being an item they offer, and not the main focus of their production lines. I have had very limited luck talking with S&W in the past, on product production, concerning dates of production for a certain cuff. Whereas, Peerless doesnt mind telling you the year of production and who they sold the cuff to, when it left the factory. Just a suggestion.
-Richard Knip-

ASP have two additional  modifications. Two pawls with separation plate and really working two-bit key and "European" 3-pawls lock. But the main production line is single pawl with single bit key. This means that PD's don't needs this additional features.

didn't know that about peerless.. thanks...