I'm going to try to add some handcuff escapes to my lineup and was wondering how to practice. I live alone, so if I get stuck then I am in trouble. I would rather not have to ask my neighbors to uncuff me.

Thanks,
Big jeff

Jeff,

Tie a piece of string to a key, and then tie it to your belt (front or back, depending on where your hands are going to be).

This should get you out of most tight spots (unless you're using Speedcuffs behind your back with your palms facing outwards, keyholds away from your hands, for which I would suggest a helper!)

James.

James, I'm almost afraid to ask if you know this from experience!

Seriously, it's always best to have a key close by and to always be very aware of how you are applying the cuffs! I know one time I was working on a routine in which I had shackles and two pair of handcuffs. It was late.... ah! Another thing to be aware of... don't practice when you are tired! Anyway, I was going through the routine "just one more time" before calling it a night. I ended up putting the handcuffs on with the keyholes facing each other. One pair of cuffs were the ADA-100's but they were too far up my arm to trigger the release. I almost thought I was going to have to wake up one of my kids to help me out but after about fifteen minutes, I was able to get enough room between the cuffs to unlock one pair... then, the ADA-100s were easy to remove.

Needless to say, my wrists were a wreck for a couple of days. After that, whenever I would put on the cuffs, I'd say to myself...
"keyhole facing OUTWARD!!" Hey, that's why they call it experience!! And yes, we do learn from our mistakes... or at least I do!

Margarette

Margarette,

To answer your question ... yes, from experience!

James.

Just to add my two cents worth, practice and keep going but if you are tired then stop. I've learnt that the hard way.

Yes, keep a key handy, and do watch how you apply the cuffs. I know one guy who is an attorney, and he had his hands behind his back, and wasn't able to get out of them. So he had to go and ask one of his neighbors in his apartment building. The lady friend he asked said she'd help get him out, but she didn't want to know anything. Don.

How do I practise handcuff escapes? Usually while fleeing from the cops.

Keep a shim handy for when you accidently lock your cuffs face to face.