Yuil Y01-K - Model keying concern

I ordered two pairs of these handcuffs last week and finally was able to experiment with them. I was showing the two bit key design to a colleague and decided to insert a universal single bit handcuff key into the keyhole to test for foreign key resistance.

I gasped for air when the universal key rotated naturally without any needed force and opened the handcuff. There was absolutely no objection to the universal key insertion or rotation. Trying to understand what just happened, I then tried inserting and turning the same universal single bit key into the second pair of handcuffs thinking maybe the first pair suffered from a workmanship issue.

And the second pair opened with the same universal single bit key just the same as the first pair.

Surely these handcuffs were not designed to accept universal keys? Because then what would be the purpose of a two bit key design and all the emphasis that Yuil places on the security of the handcuffs and key security in general?

I share this discovery to warn users of these handcuffs to check for universal key acceptance. Some users may not know the handcuffs can accept universal keys because there doesn't appear to be any manufacturer discussion suggesting they will. The manufacturer instead convinces prospective buyers that this model has advanced key security when in fact this model does not.

It would seem to me there should be some kind of bar or hardware inside the handcuff that allows the lower and upper bits of the two bit key to pass around but clearly that hardware can not be present. It would however make sense that a universal single bit key could pass through the handcuffs just the same because such hardware has not been installed.
 

A retail supplier has suggested that Yuil sells both universal and exclusively keyed models.... 

Which country was the supplier you phoned?

USA

The box I received Y-01K in was stamped with Y-01 and the handcuffs are stamped Y-01 but they are Y-01K which have the silicone lining.

zezu1 wrote: ↑

Nov 02, 2020

USA

funny !  You will never know if it's a mistake, intentional misrepresentation, alternative facts or just fake news.  The Chinese cuff is a great product and might have been modified to have the weakened security of the ward plate to suit the US market.  

Yuil clarified what appeared to be a defect.. the company claims they sell both exclusively keyed models and universally keyed models in both chain and hinged styles.. regardless though most of their handcuffs ship with two bit keys which would lead a buyer to believe that model is exclusively keyed.. 

Yuil does not share much documentation if any on universal key acceptance so customers should be aware that your handcuffs may be designed to open with a universal key but will still accept the two bit proprietary key as well..

Based on the 3 YUIL handcuffs in my collection:

Yuil Hinged model #M-11 ---comes with a double-bitt key.

I find that SOME of my standard 1-bitt handcuff keys (i.e. Generic 'Peerless' keys) WILL OPEN these cuffs.....but many of my generic 1-bit keys WILL NOT open them  (it's hit or miss).

   I also find that NONE of my "large handle" official law enforcement "Universal Handcuff Keys" will open these.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yuil chain model #M-01 ---comes with a double-bitt key key.

Exactly what I stated above---also applies to THIS handcuff too.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yuil model #Y-01  (SLANTED KEYHOLE) ---comes with a double-bitt key.

Both the KEY and the KEYHOLE are SMALLER than any previous barrel handcuff key.

Any standard single-bitt or double-bitt KEY will NOT even enter the KEYHOLE.

This cuff is great for the "wise guys" who always carry 1 or 2 handcuff keys...and think they will open any handcuff presented to them.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

thanks for the confirmation.. as i began researching this more.. it became clear to me that at least for the model Y-01K... those shipping with angled keyholes represented exclusive keying and those shipping with vertical keyholes as shown above were indicative of universal key acceptance.. 

Hello.

I own 3 pairs of Yuil cuffs. After reading your post I decided to test my own models.

M-09 K handcuffs : comes with a double-bit key but opens with standard key
MY-006 leg irons : comes with a double-bit key but opens with standard key
M-05 thumbcuffs opens with standard key as advertised

A bit disapointed by this but you made a great find.

Tell me these aren't Yuil rebranded or imitated perfectly?

http://www.okcrich.com/contents.php?con ... _handcuffs

If your looking for a set of cuffs that uses that split bit key. Handcuff warehouse has there Chicago brand X22 cuffs.
Chicago Model X22 High Security Stainless Steel Handcuff. These handcuffs are extremely hard to pick or shim and a standard handcuff key will not work. The teeth on the swinging bows are split down the center to accommodate an anti-shim bar that runs down the center of the slit pawl. A special double bit key is required to open. Weight 10 ounces, double locking with back of key, 2 high security keys included.

I am not sure about Chicago quality but I did consider X22.. I like the design but I'm not sure I like the finish.. somehow I'm leaning towards Yuil and ASP even though I had reservations about early generation ASP designs.. I just wonder if you can get a triple pawl with high security keying in the ultra asp model and whether or not you can get the same cuff with identifier coloring..