Master Lock, Street Cuffs

Hello all,
I was in a contractor supply store today and saw an interesting locking system from Master Lock Company. A product they call Street Cuffs for locking up motorcycles and the like. It basicall looks like an adjustable dead locking set of legg irons but using a heavy duty roller type chain. In present from, I would say it is not suitable for humane restraint but if the roller chain was replaced an anti-theft chain they would have a product to sell but they are probably only after the high volume market.
Here is the URL to view it: http://www.masterlocks.com/Models.asp?T ... et%20Cuffs

-Dorson

These "cuffs" have been around for a while and I have seen them in several collections already. Neat little item.

Shawn

Hello all,
I was in a contractor supply store today and saw an interesting locking system from Master Lock Company. A product they call Street Cuffs for locking up motorcycles and the like. It basicall looks like an adjustable dead locking set of legg irons but using a heavy duty roller type chain. In present from, I would say it is not suitable for humane restraint but if the roller chain was replaced an anti-theft chain they would have a product to sell but they are probably only after the high volume market.
Here is the URL to view it: http://www.masterlocks.com/Models.asp?T ... et%20Cuffs

-Dorson

They are not a handcuff - please do not be tempted to use them as one. They are intended as a bike lock and have a much more sophisticated lock than most handcuffs. If the key were to be lost or the lock jam, they would have to be cut off - this would be difficult and dangerous for the wearer - how close to your skin would you like a dremel tool?

Hello all,
I was in a contractor supply store today and saw an interesting locking system from Master Lock Company. A product they call Street Cuffs for locking up motorcycles and the like. It basicall looks like an adjustable dead locking set of legg irons but using a heavy duty roller type chain. In present from, I would say it is not suitable for humane restraint but if the roller chain was replaced an anti-theft chain they would have a product to sell but they are probably only after the high volume market.
Here is the URL to view it: http://www.masterlocks.com/Models.asp?T ... et%20Cuffs

-Dorson

I would not be surprised if law-enforcement agencies were thinking about using these as transport legirons. These are pick-resistant, and standard tubular lockpicks will not open them. I think all escapists should be aware of these, and the possibility of being challenged with them. They are certainly impressive-looking (like legirons "on steroids"), and one item that would make a great looking escape item or "challenge".

Hello all,
I was in a contractor supply store today and saw an interesting locking system from Master Lock Company. A product they call Street Cuffs for locking up motorcycles and the like. It basicall looks like an adjustable dead locking set of legg irons but using a heavy duty roller type chain. In present from, I would say it is not suitable for humane restraint but if the roller chain was replaced an anti-theft chain they would have a product to sell but they are probably only after the high volume market.
Here is the URL to view it: http://www.masterlocks.com/Models.asp?T ... et%20Cuffs

-Dorson

Wheather you are and EA or a collector they are a neat item to add to your collection, "for the heck of it."

I don't honestly see anyone being challenged in the near future by them but somewhere down the road it may be a slight possibility.

Anon. I've had many a Dremel tool and bolt cutters near my wrist, that is what practice is all about, well at least for me, it has been nearly two years since I've had my last run in with either tool, and I agree it is not fun.

X

Hello all,
I was in a contractor supply store today and saw an interesting locking system from Master Lock Company. A product they call Street Cuffs for locking up motorcycles and the like. It basicall looks like an adjustable dead locking set of legg irons but using a heavy duty roller type chain. In present from, I would say it is not suitable for humane restraint but if the roller chain was replaced an anti-theft chain they would have a product to sell but they are probably only after the high volume market.
Here is the URL to view it: http://www.masterlocks.com/Models.asp?T ... et%20Cuffs

-Dorson

Master lock also makes an all metal version of this 3 inch diameter lock that has (no black protective plastic around the shackle) with the extened bicycle chain. The lock not only looks extremely secure but also futuristic in the design with the item having a suggested retail of $179.00 US.

Hello all,
I was in a contractor supply store today and saw an interesting locking system from Master Lock Company. A product they call Street Cuffs for locking up motorcycles and the like. It basicall looks like an adjustable dead locking set of legg irons but using a heavy duty roller type chain. In present from, I would say it is not suitable for humane restraint but if the roller chain was replaced an anti-theft chain they would have a product to sell but they are probably only after the high volume market.
Here is the URL to view it: http://www.masterlocks.com/Models.asp?T ... et%20Cuffs

-Dorson

I hadn't thought about law enforcement use, because our police forces and prison service do not use leg irons, but I can see the attraction of these devices to US agencies.

They can be seen in use at:


(note that this is the website of a fetish retailer)

I wonder if they would be exempt from UK export restrictions because their intended purpose is as a bike lock and not as a restraint.

Hello all,
I was in a contractor supply store today and saw an interesting locking system from Master Lock Company. A product they call Street Cuffs for locking up motorcycles and the like. It basicall looks like an adjustable dead locking set of legg irons but using a heavy duty roller type chain. In present from, I would say it is not suitable for humane restraint but if the roller chain was replaced an anti-theft chain they would have a product to sell but they are probably only after the high volume market.
Here is the URL to view it: http://www.masterlocks.com/Models.asp?T ... et%20Cuffs

-Dorson

Interesting responses here and that fetsih site looks like the cuffs were altered. I think for high security transport, these cuffs would be useful but still think using a high grade chain like the anti-theft chain links would be more useful. They do seem heavy and not practical to walk in for any period of time on the bare ankle. Maybe better suited to a vehicle where it is anchored to the vehicle in some fashion.

Hello all,
I was in a contractor supply store today and saw an interesting locking system from Master Lock Company. A product they call Street Cuffs for locking up motorcycles and the like. It basicall looks like an adjustable dead locking set of legg irons but using a heavy duty roller type chain. In present from, I would say it is not suitable for humane restraint but if the roller chain was replaced an anti-theft chain they would have a product to sell but they are probably only after the high volume market.
Here is the URL to view it: http://www.masterlocks.com/Models.asp?T ... et%20Cuffs

-Dorson

In what way do you think they have been altered?

Giving this some more thought, I hope these would not be used as a restraint. The lock is far more complex and therefore prone to failure than a normal handcuff lock. An attempt at picking could turn the lock one or two notches so that the genuine key would not then work (solution: file the locating notch off the key). The idea of securing a prisoner to a vehicle is alarming to say the least.

Of course to European eyes, the use of these devices by law enforcement looks very strange, even barbaric. It certainly appeared very strange to see Michael Jackson (who poses no risk of flight or violence) in handcuffs after his recent arrest. Even more strange, the senior execs of Enron, some of whom are in their sixties.

Hello all,
I was in a contractor supply store today and saw an interesting locking system from Master Lock Company. A product they call Street Cuffs for locking up motorcycles and the like. It basicall looks like an adjustable dead locking set of legg irons but using a heavy duty roller type chain. In present from, I would say it is not suitable for humane restraint but if the roller chain was replaced an anti-theft chain they would have a product to sell but they are probably only after the high volume market.
Here is the URL to view it: http://www.masterlocks.com/Models.asp?T ... et%20Cuffs

-Dorson

There are two sizes/chain-links available: the SINGLE chain-link (as pictured above), and a LONG 9" chain model. The StreetCuff in the above photo was not "altered"--it's the Single chain-link model.

The LONG 9" chain model can be seen at:

http://www.masterlockbike.com/masterloc ... cuff_9link

This 9" chain version is much more practical to use a legiron (allows prisoner to walk, etc.). I still think that they would be highly effective as a high-security transport legiron for law enforcement, here in the U.S.

Hello all,
I was in a contractor supply store today and saw an interesting locking system from Master Lock Company. A product they call Street Cuffs for locking up motorcycles and the like. It basicall looks like an adjustable dead locking set of legg irons but using a heavy duty roller type chain. In present from, I would say it is not suitable for humane restraint but if the roller chain was replaced an anti-theft chain they would have a product to sell but they are probably only after the high volume market.
Here is the URL to view it: http://www.masterlocks.com/Models.asp?T ... et%20Cuffs

-Dorson

I don't think its barbaric to cause a bit of discomfort to people who have offended against society in general (by either absconding with huge amounts of other people's money or taking liberties with the underage) by placing them in restraints. The restraints are there to ensure the arrested is restricted in movement to prevent injury to themselves or those who are escorting them. I've gotten my fair share of bruises from already handcuffed individuals who couldn't accept the reality of being arrested. Makes sense to me to be barbaric and restrict their movement with devices that have a long history of effectiveness. Maybe the Master Lock Street Cuffs will become a standard in the industry soon - the very name implies that the company sees the potential.

Hello all,
I was in a contractor supply store today and saw an interesting locking system from Master Lock Company. A product they call Street Cuffs for locking up motorcycles and the like. It basicall looks like an adjustable dead locking set of legg irons but using a heavy duty roller type chain. In present from, I would say it is not suitable for humane restraint but if the roller chain was replaced an anti-theft chain they would have a product to sell but they are probably only after the high volume market.
Here is the URL to view it: http://www.masterlocks.com/Models.asp?T ... et%20Cuffs

-Dorson

It is curious that we accept handcuffs (most UK police forces use the Hiatt Rigid or the CDS Quickcuff), although their use in an arrest is not universal and must be justified by the circumstances, but are shocked by the use of leg irons and other restraints, so much so that their manufacture is banned. There are examples of British leg irons in museums so they have been used in the past but not in the last hundred years or so.

Maybe they carry overtones of slavery and the crimes of the past.

Hello all,
I was in a contractor supply store today and saw an interesting locking system from Master Lock Company. A product they call Street Cuffs for locking up motorcycles and the like. It basicall looks like an adjustable dead locking set of legg irons but using a heavy duty roller type chain. In present from, I would say it is not suitable for humane restraint but if the roller chain was replaced an anti-theft chain they would have a product to sell but they are probably only after the high volume market.
Here is the URL to view it: http://www.masterlocks.com/Models.asp?T ... et%20Cuffs

-Dorson

Here in the US we have prisoners who are considered high risk because they have a know history of getting out of restraints. Ordinary handcuffs are not that hard to get out of if one knows precisely what they are doing. That is why here they use different ways to restrain or use a higher security lock on restraints. The US Marshall service uses the ADI Saf-Lok for some of the bad boys here. Also, it is standard procedure for many Law Enforcement agencies to secure a prisoner to the vehicle for transport. The so called Paddy Wagon used in the US does not always have a officier in the prisoner section and you don't want them moving around and getting injured or injuring other prisoners. The LE's are responsible once they are in custody and must protect the prisoner and themselves. What most cops fail at is the number one rule with prisoners, never leave them alone, and them the opportunity to do something they should not. General purpose handcuffs are only a temporary restraint.

Hello all,
I was in a contractor supply store today and saw an interesting locking system from Master Lock Company. A product they call Street Cuffs for locking up motorcycles and the like. It basicall looks like an adjustable dead locking set of legg irons but using a heavy duty roller type chain. In present from, I would say it is not suitable for humane restraint but if the roller chain was replaced an anti-theft chain they would have a product to sell but they are probably only after the high volume market.
Here is the URL to view it: http://www.masterlocks.com/Models.asp?T ... et%20Cuffs

-Dorson

I cannot keep quiet at the suggestion that Police Officer's in the U.S. are in any way "barbaric" by using whatever is available to us to provide protection for ourselves and the public we serve. I have a set of the 9 inch Street Cuffs , and have found them to be remarkably effective at stopping the "kick and stomp" tactics that can be used when wearing conventional Peerless or Smith leg irons. I connect a 3 foot chain to the street cuffs and run it to the Peerless model 400's I still carry and snap it to them with a caribiner. These things are tough, very effective, and easier to apply than regular leg irons, as they will fit over most boots quickly. Several of my other partners also have purchased a set and use them in a similiar fashion.
Now, back to brutality.... I am an 18 year Police veteran, and I can assure you that a 60 year old Enron exec, a diminutive (at best) former pop star, or even somebody's Grandma, can AND will shoot you dead if they are desperate enough. The use of handcuffs is not a public display of force, it is a safety issue for everyone involved. I have never been to the U.K., but Anon, you must remember that violent crime is a normal part of life on most U.S. cities, the criminal with a gun is the norm, not a rarity. The Police do not have to carry a service pistol, spare magazines(ammo), a metal expandable baton, pepper spray, and a slapper as part of the uniform. Here we have to carry, and unfortunately use, all of these items and then some. Most of us carry at least a second back-up gun, a couple of knives, and every patrol unit I know of is shotgun equipped at a minimum, most having a rifle in the trunk also. I am glad it is not that way everywhere, but I bet you can't tell me what the term "Meth" means either. Ask, I will be more than happy to explain it, and I wish my scars could tell you some stories too. I will bounce off the soapbox now, just wanted to let you guys know these are effective tools for more than securing your bike.
Play safely.

Hello all,
I was in a contractor supply store today and saw an interesting locking system from Master Lock Company. A product they call Street Cuffs for locking up motorcycles and the like. It basicall looks like an adjustable dead locking set of legg irons but using a heavy duty roller type chain. In present from, I would say it is not suitable for humane restraint but if the roller chain was replaced an anti-theft chain they would have a product to sell but they are probably only after the high volume market.
Here is the URL to view it: http://www.masterlocks.com/Models.asp?T ... et%20Cuffs

-Dorson

Tim1 - I did not mean to offend, or to imply that US police officers are barbaric or brutal and I am sorry if I have. The use of these devices is seen very differently over here.

The UK is not quite as peaceful as you imagine - we certainly have more violent crime than most of Europe, and the ban on small calibre pistols (there are few legal handguns in the UK) introduced by the current government has not led to any reduction in firearm crime. I have visited the US - Boston MA, NYC, Las Vegas and have felt as safe there as I do here.

Most police officers carry the Hiatt rigid handcuff (and those I have spoken to prefer it to the traditional chain link design, although it did lead to some nasty injuries on its introduction, mostly resolved by better training), a side handled baton (which has mostly replaced the traditional trunceon) and CS spray. One force (I forget which) has chosen not to approve CS spray because of concerns about safety. Firearms are carried only by specially trained officers who patrol in 'Armed Response Vehicles' and can be called to the scene of a firearms incident. There are 4 on duty in my city tonight. The prefered firearm is the Heckler and Koch MP5, modified for single shot mode only. There is masses of evidence that police officers shoot more accuratly with this firearm than with a handgun - its disadvantage is its intimidating appearance (which is not allways a disadvantage).

I am suprised that US police officers have been permitted to aquire and use the Streetcuff, without any form of official approval or training for the device. This would not happen in the UK - not since the death of Joy Gardner, an illegal immigrant who was restrained with an unapproved device during deportation and died of positional asphxya in 1993.

Stay safe.

Hello all,
I was in a contractor supply store today and saw an interesting locking system from Master Lock Company. A product they call Street Cuffs for locking up motorcycles and the like. It basicall looks like an adjustable dead locking set of legg irons but using a heavy duty roller type chain. In present from, I would say it is not suitable for humane restraint but if the roller chain was replaced an anti-theft chain they would have a product to sell but they are probably only after the high volume market.
Here is the URL to view it: http://www.masterlocks.com/Models.asp?T ... et%20Cuffs

-Dorson

Okay,
I know I am probably going to out myself here but what the hell, my parents know what I am into, sort of no details which I intend to keep that way. I happen to be a security specialist here in the Nations Capital of the USA and a leader in the BDSM community too... The woman who died apparently was not being watched, otherwise it would not have happened. ANYTIME, you hogtie a prisoner in some fashion and they are on there stomach, you run that risk and they should not be left alone and SHOULD be monitored. I can't speak for all of the Law Enforcement agencies in this country but if they are trained correctly, they should be aware of this risk and take appropiate measures so nothing happens to them, even if they are being assholes with the cops or not. Safety is a major issue... In the BDSM community we teach the same thing about hogties and carefully monitoring the person for distress, etc. and this is based on extensive research on actual cases and consulting medical experts.
(stepping off my soap box now)

-Dorson

Hello all,
I was in a contractor supply store today and saw an interesting locking system from Master Lock Company. A product they call Street Cuffs for locking up motorcycles and the like. It basicall looks like an adjustable dead locking set of legg irons but using a heavy duty roller type chain. In present from, I would say it is not suitable for humane restraint but if the roller chain was replaced an anti-theft chain they would have a product to sell but they are probably only after the high volume market.
Here is the URL to view it: http://www.masterlocks.com/Models.asp?T ... et%20Cuffs

-Dorson

The 'positional asphyxia' phenomenon is widely known, and covered by such practices as 'hog-tying'.

I don't think that the use of leg irons is a bad thing, if the circumstances justify it. I am in the British Royal Air Force, and when I am undertaking guard duty on a gate, out of sight or immediate assistance, my only weapon is my service rifle and 30 rounds of ammo. I would love to be issued with an ASP baton, as the sight and sound of a chrome baton appearing in front of your face just has to be intimidating, whereas, we are only allowed to shoot in strictly defined circumstances, and the drunks or mischief makers who would taunt/verbally/physically abuse us know that we can't legitimately shoot them. If we had 'non lethal' weapons, that the drunks knew we were allowed to use on them, I think we would have more of an psychological deterent.

We're not allowed to handcuff anyone either (I'm an aircraft engineer, not Air Force Police, although I'd feel just fine with Speedcuffs on my belt...).

Hello all,
I was in a contractor supply store today and saw an interesting locking system from Master Lock Company. A product they call Street Cuffs for locking up motorcycles and the like. It basicall looks like an adjustable dead locking set of legg irons but using a heavy duty roller type chain. In present from, I would say it is not suitable for humane restraint but if the roller chain was replaced an anti-theft chain they would have a product to sell but they are probably only after the high volume market.
Here is the URL to view it: http://www.masterlocks.com/Models.asp?T ... et%20Cuffs

-Dorson

As a footnote to my earlier message, the export restriction still applies, preventing British companies from making, or exporting the 'tyrannical' devices that are known as leg irons. However, we can just as easily buy them on ebay from overseas, and get them in the mail, been there, done it, selling them on ebay at teh moment !

See link...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 3950465484

I have seen the street cuffs, and they seem secure, but may not close down enough for use as everyday handcuffs, although they would be good as leg irons.