Security standard handcuff ( standard key )

Hello I will like to know which of they are 3 handcuffs is hardest to open without key (piking)? Peerless, Smith & Wesson, Hiatts. I know that each person has her taste and knowledge which is much secure.

In a single lock mode only, the S&W handcuff opens pretty darn quick for me. But, if the double lock is on, the S&W can be a pain in the rear. I have had S&W cuffs with super strong springs in the double lock mechenism and they will not pick very esay.

I find that Hiatt and Peerless are about the same. Of course there are a number of variables involved here, like differences between the models and ages of the cuffs. Therefore, all of this info is not only personal opinion, but it is also generalized as well.

If you want to try a "standard key handcuff" that is tough to pick in single lock mode, then try the old style Alcyon handcuffs. They are a standard key handcuff, but they have a double ratchet pawl inside (which makes them more resistant to picking).

I hope this helps. Cheers, Mike

Hello I will like to know which of they are 3 handcuffs is hardest to open without key (piking)? Peerless, Smith & Wesson, Hiatts. I know that each person has her taste and knowledge which is much secure.

Actually Mike,

The early model Alcyon Spanish double lock handcuff had only a single pawl.

With the exception of the lack of the ditched jaw, this cuff was virtually identical in guts to the model 300 Peerless cuffs.

It was only later that Alcyon brought out a double pawl handcuff.

Still, the early Alcyon single pawl cuffs tended to have a stronger spring than Peelrees or S&W so one needed a good stiff section of piano wire to do the job.

Slightly annoying to pick through the keyhole (but totally possible) while on single lock are any of the modern Hiatt brand handcuffs.

These have a triple pawl but only a split leaf spring with one half driving one of the pawls and the other part of the split spring driving the other two.

Henceforth any pick used to take these off single lock needs to be wide enough to cover and engage all three pawls at once or at least two and then gravity will sometimes pull down the last one.

Steve Santini

Hello I will like to know which of they are 3 handcuffs is hardest to open without key (piking)? Peerless, Smith & Wesson, Hiatts. I know that each person has her taste and knowledge which is much secure.

Steve, I have an old pair of Alcyon cuffs with a double ratchet. I don't know much about them, but if I had to guess, I would say that they are from the 1970's. They are either newer than they look or perhaps they are a rare short-run model or something. I will take a harder look at them when I get home tonight and see if I can identify them.

Cheers, Mike

Hello I will like to know which of they are 3 handcuffs is hardest to open without key (piking)? Peerless, Smith & Wesson, Hiatts. I know that each person has her taste and knowledge which is much secure.

Hi Mike,

I don't know exactly when Alcyon switched to a double pawl but if memory serves, I did not personally see the double pawl model offered until the 1980's.

And this was in Toronto joke, novelty, and military stores. That date range seems to stick in my mind because on all of the Alcyon or other Spanish post 1950's cuffs I have ever owned, the date of manufacture is usually stamped into the bow arm.

Perhaps other collectors can assist me here but for certain Alcyon's double lock handcuffs with the universal key were first made with a single pawl like a Peerless model 300.

The only other earlier double pawl Alcyon Spanish handcuff made but which was not double lock was the twin pawl, anti shim wheel, double bit flat key "high security" model.

Maybe yours are just extremely worn and much used?

Steve

Hello I will like to know which of they are 3 handcuffs is hardest to open without key (piking)? Peerless, Smith & Wesson, Hiatts. I know that each person has her taste and knowledge which is much secure.

Steve, I will check for a date on the bow and post my findings later on tonight.

All the best, Mike

Hello I will like to know which of they are 3 handcuffs is hardest to open without key (piking)? Peerless, Smith & Wesson, Hiatts. I know that each person has her taste and knowledge which is much secure.

Steve, I e-mailed you some photos. I think that looking closer at these cuffs may have raised even more questions. 1-4-6- is stamped on the bow....do you think that this was meant to be marked 1-4-60/something??? The date stamp on my Jay-Pee cuffs are similar, but they are marked 0-9-78, maybe 10-9-78 ??? (the "0" is cut off on the left hand side) I think that these were made in 1978, but I am unsure about the Alcyon cuffs. Check out the photos I sent and tell me what you think.

I will check back in this afternoon. Cheers, Mike