What Are Thumb Cuffs? A Child’s Toy or a Real Thing
Thumb cuffs are easy to carry, small restraining devices. It will be a fit on anyone’s thumbs, no matter the size of the fingers. This has a locking system that offers the best mechanism to restrain. Cuffs can be locked so that they do not get lose not it gets tightened. These cuffs are best for private investigators, security guards, undercover law enforcement, or anyone who requires a small form of restraints.
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What Are Thumb cuffs?
Thumb cuffs are smaller forms of restraints that only cover the thumbs regardless of the size of the fingers. Just like traditional handcuffs these also provide restraint to reduce compliance to non-compliance. You can easily adjust the cuffs over the thumbs, and it has a mechanical interlocking system. When you are looking for an answer for What are thumb cuffs, you must know that normally, these devices are available with a set of keys that are used for locking and unlocking the mechanism. It also has a double locking system to prevent extreme tightening of the cuffs.
Who Uses Thumbcuffs?
Law enforcement officers will never rely on these cuffs to restraint a suspect or a criminal. But private detectives, security guards and other smaller professions of law enforcement uses the same. Although they look like a novelty product and are not allowed in every area, still they are popular in Asia to restraint an escaping suspect, as the cuffs ignite pain to the fingers. It will reduce their struggle against the captor. It’s also important to know that extreme tightness can cut through the skin and flesh.
Alternatives of thumb cuffs
There are no alternatives to thumb cuffs. As these devices are made of steel or iron, they offer the best restraint. Any other material is not proper to keep a suspect from struggling. The best thing here is handcuffs which will provide a better guard.
Where to get thumb cuffs?
Thumb cuffs are available in different styles and shades. You will find the one you need for your work easily. Let’s check out these five thumb cuffs.
1. Fury Thumbcuffs
This one has a practical design and offers dual-purpose restraints. With these thumb cuffs, you will get toe cuffs to get better restraints. It comes with a polished chrome look, it’s durable and professional. The polished chrome finish is the best part of the cuffs, and they are durable so breaking free from it will be a matter of struggle. Also, it’s lightweight and will fit in your belt. However, adjusting the cuffs might be a bit complicated, as they are smaller than handcuffs. Then the keys are made of malleable metal which has the chance of bending after a few use.
- Pros: Polished finish, useful size, lightweight and restrictive
- Cons: low-quality keys, not proper for small thumbs.
2. Rothco Steel/Nickel Plated Thumbcuffs
These thumb cuffs are available in silver shade and offer the low-grade backup option for different types of law professionals. The design is stylish and sleek. These cuffs are best for temporary restraint and it’s four inches in length and made with silver and steel plating. This product is durable and has the high-quality. You will get a vinyl case that will keep the cuffs in proper condition. You will get a belt loop with the case so you can carry it easily.
These thumb cuffs are easy to use and mostly for beginners. This can be useful for correctional officers. Unlike other cuffs, these are not useful for toes, and the clutches are spaces far apart.
- Pros: It has a professional style, easy for beginners, correctional officers can use it, has informative structures.
- Cons: it’s not proper for toe cuffs, it’s a bit hard to adjust.
3. Takedown Gear Double Thumbcuffs Carrying
If you want black color for thumb cuffs then, these are the best in the market. These cuffs are made with steel and have a sleek appearance. It offers minimal restraints and you can store it in your mag holster. These are durable and the suspect will not be able to escape from the restraints. However, the cuffs can ratchet all by themselves. These cuffs are best for retired professionals who have to carry restraints.
It has a metal build that reduces the struggle. Also, it has a black shade that makes them discreet. The malfunction can happen from the double lock system, and it can cause an injury from the self-independent ratchet. The cuffs will not come with a carrying case.
- Pros: sleek with black color, reduce the struggle of the suspect, better metal build, and useful for fast restraining.
- Cons: There will be no carrying case, the double lock is problematic.
4. HWC Nickel Plated Steel Thumbcuffs
These cuffs are similar to hinged handcuffs, and this offers a simple mechanism. You will get a durable and double locking system so it doesn’t ratchet independently. These are the closest police accessories in the market and have two universal keys. If you are not buying a separate holder, then you will get a vinyl carrying case with the thumb cuffs. The structure quality is average and made of high-grade steel with nickel plating which offers the shiny outer part and it’s resistant to corrosion.
The best thing about these thumb cuffs is that they are made of the best quality steel and nickel plating. You will get two sets of keys for unlocking and locking. However, the cuffs are hard to open, and the nickel plating is prone to scratches.
- Pros: made of best materials, easy to carry and lightweight, a good carry case, and comes with two keys.
- Cons: the locks will look used quickly, and the locks are a bit complicated to open.
5. Ace Martial Arts Steel Police Thumbcuffs
These cuffs are made for law enforcement officers, and this is useful for private investigators too. This has a polished finish with high-quality nickel. It’s made of high-grade steel and it will withstand tear and wear. Similar to other thumb cuffs it has a double locking system, and it reduces the chance of ratcheting. If you are looking for a compact and lightweight restraints, then these cuffs are easy to use and provide better backup.
It has a smooth edge and is made with heavy-duty steel making it comfortable than the other options. The lock system is simple and there is no chance of ratcheting. These can be a good backup for severe situations. If you do not have experience with hand and thumb cuffs, then you have to be careful as it can cut through your fingers. It’s important to check the instructions and if you are a beginner you need to learn about restraints first.
- Pros: it has smooth edges, is made with heavy duty steel and durable, useful for severe situations, easy to lock the cuffs.
- Cons: it might be challenging for beginners; the cuffs can cut off circulation.
Are thumb cuffs safe for children or not?
Thumb cuffs are not exactly for children, but they are available in a rubber material that does not hurt the kids. These are mostly used for the children who such their thumbs and to restraint, their urges parents often use rubber thumb cuffs. Although, doctors do not recommend this system for kids as it can look like an extreme punishment and cruel at times. Also, steel cuffs are never safe for kids as it can cut through the soft skin of theirs.
Thumb cuffs are not like handcuffs, as it requires an individual to restrain the suspect first then the officer can put the device on the thumbs. With handcuffs, the suspect can struggle and they can even slip free of it. But with thumb cuffs, it’s hard to escape. These are sharp devices and struggling will make the situation worse for the suspect. Thumb cuffs are notorious as they cause thumb injuries and they do not have a lock spring system, which has the danger of injuries if they are tightened.
If the cuffs are tightened around the thumbs it can cut off blood circulation. Also if the fingers stay in the cuffed position for a long time then it can lead to extreme pain and injuries too. However, today the thumb cuffs are made in a way so it can inflict fewer injuries, and you will find these are used in some police forces. These are also used in magic tricks where magicians try to escape the restraints.
Frequently asked questions about thumb cuffs
There are different questions people often ask about thumb cuffs and they are important to know if you are a professional in law enforcement or a private investigator. Let’s look at the most asked questions below.
Do thumb cuffs hurt the fingers?
Yes, they do. Thumb cuffs have a sharper edge and are made with heavy-duty steel with a nickel finish. This material can cut through the skin. If they are wrapped around the thumbs tightly then it can cut off blood circulation and cause injury.
Who invented thumb cuffs?
A Seattle police officer named Jim Ritter invented these cuffs.
Are thumb cuffs legal?
Thumb cuffs are legal in many states, but just like the handcuffs if you want to possess them it will be illegal. If you are not a professional then you will not have the right to use your thumb or handcuffs.
Conclusion
Thumb cuffs are not a toy for children but are useful for small investigations and security guards. If you are a beginner, you must learn the techniques of restraints first and then use the devices. Also, check out some examples of thumb cuffs in this article.
