Hinge or link?

**213th** · 02-12-06, 01:31 AM

Okay, not that I use them much, but recently we were mandated to carry link handcuffs. I personally prefer the hinge, it seems like it is easier to grip with my large hands. Also, since some people are anal about how they actually go on as apposed to getting them on quicker, the hinge cuffs are much easier to get on IMO.

My questions are what style do you use? Is it mandated that you use that style? Do they prefer that you use one style but you can purchase whichever you want? Which style do you like best?

Just curious.

FishTail · 02-12-06, 01:40 AM

Rigid, mandated. Used to be able carry chain as backup (good for detaining for searches rather than arrests) but can't any longer.

**Lazy Fed** · 02-12-06, 02:05 AM

I have both hinge cuffs and link on my duty belt. I however am more inclined to use my hinge cuffs, as I am lazy and they are easier to use.

**chris2001** · 02-12-06, 03:30 AM

I have a pair of Hinged Hiatts on my belt and a pair of Chained Hiatts on my belt. I also carry an extra hinged in my duty bag.

**Garda** · 02-12-06, 07:01 AM

We are issued chained/link Hiatts as standard and I carry a second pair of Chained S&W 100's cause the same key opens both.

As someone with small hands I would rather use link/rigid cuffs but they arent on issue to police here just prisons.

**Terminator** · 02-12-06, 07:32 AM

I have a pair of both. The hinged cuffs are better at restricting movement, and are good for people with large wrists. The chain link cuffs are better for people with smaller wrists. I carry a set of both on my duty belt, and 4 extra pair in my patrol bag.

**TXCharlie** · 02-12-06, 12:18 PM

Do y'all carry some of those nylon disposable cuffs in case you run out of metal cuffs, or need to turn the prisoners over to another agency or something?

Just wondered because I saw an ad for them the other day. I guess that would be ok as long as the prisoner doesn't find something sharp or hot to rub them against.

**Garda** · 02-12-06, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by TXCharlie

Do y'all carry some of those nylon disposable cuffs in case you run out of metal cuffs, or need to turn the prisoners over to another agency or something?

Just wondered because I saw an ad for them the other day. I guess that would be ok as long as the prisoner doesn't find something sharp or hot to rub them against.

Our specialist units use them as they dont actually arrest people themselves so its a case of temporary restraint until normal officers come in and cuff.

**213th** · 02-12-06, 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by TXCharlie

Do y'all carry some of those nylon disposable cuffs in case you run out of metal cuffs, or need to turn the prisoners over to another agency or something?

Just wondered because I saw an ad for them the other day. I guess that would be ok as long as the prisoner doesn't find something sharp or hot to rub them against.

We had them in our riot control bags at my former unit but I don't think we have them on hand here.

**kdm0409** · 02-12-06, 01:38 PM

i carry linked cuffs...but I do like the hinge cuffs... just haven't bought any in a while...had a pair, but someone transported and the other county kept my cuffs and i have been unable to get them back...damn them

**chris2001** · 02-12-06, 05:15 PM

The plastic cuffs are for simply cuffing a lot of people rather quickly. They are taken off as soon as they can be and metal cuffs are put on.

**Garda** · 02-12-06, 08:22 PM

Originally Posted by WAMBAUGHREADER

I like link cuffs cause their easier on a prisoner's wrists, most of the people I put in jail/transport are pretty nice...but I carry 2 sets of hinged purely for officer safety.

**Billiardnut** · 02-20-06, 11:12 PM

I think there are benefits to having hinged and link. The hinged seem to work better with smaller or more flexible people. I haven't seen many people slip their arms from their back to their front when cuffed with hinged.

On the other side of the coin - linked cuffs can be useful if the person is broader in the shoulders or you need to link two pair of cuffs together.

If you use linked cuffs never escort your prisoner by holding on to the chain of their cuffs. Many years ago I learned this "no-no" the hard way and since that time have learned some nasty techniques that people practice to either get away from a cop or just screw the officer's hand up.

**Garda** · 02-21-06, 02:16 AM

True Billiard I have had my hand meshed by a turning suspect but if you hold the cuffs it only takes a quick yank upwards to have them on the ground crying.

**lcsodre108** · 03-13-06, 02:01 AM

I carry both types, plus several sets of plastic disposable for search warrants and jail situations. I prefer the hinged because I can control the suspect better if they decide to get froggy with only one cuff on, i can use more pain compliance with them.

**Mike Romeo** · 03-13-06, 04:09 AM

Two Peerless Hinged.

They work for me in keeping the person secure.

I'm not very concerned about their comfort level until I'm at booking.

**bigdog21** · 03-13-06, 12:36 PM

I carry two sets of S&W model 100 and a pair of S&W hinge model 1 oversized cuffs.

**JohnnyRotten** · 05-11-06, 12:02 AM

I always carried 2 pairs of hinged cuffs. 1 set of Hyatts for normal sized folks, and a set of the oversized Peerless for the "biggie sized" offenders.