I'm as new to this as possible and wanted to know what o get to start lock picking for handcuffs. I've been looking at cannons and they have some cool stuff but everything is " the best". So I wanted to also know what helped you the most. Thanks guys. I also vote you the nicest forum guys. Your such a community and respectfull to everybody. Thanks
Also, What type of handcuff should I get. I was looking at some on ebay. Are official police handcuffs good for me? Should I start with a gimmick or will that lead me into bad habits? Thanks for your wisdom.
H

For handcuffs; this may sound weird, but the best thing to get is a pair of handcuffs, to start with chain linked Smith & Wesson model 90 type for preference, or anything built along those lines (generic double lock, standard key), though beware of really cheap or "novelty" cuffs that'll just hurt your wrists. Then have a good look at them to figure out how they work. Once you've figured out that pair, go on to another type, either with a different locking mechanism (look at the key) or a more challenging link (hinge links and solids provide a more physical challenge with the same locking mechanism). The off-duty policeman who got me started built his knowledge because he'd always examine every new pair of cuffs he was issued with in case he was ever locked in his own cuffs by a suspect.

I won't say too much more on an open forum, but PM me if you want some more specific starter points.

Houdini Man, I woould say that Ian McColl's books on handcuff picking has helped me the most with my cuff picking. You can get them from the Cannon's at http://www.cannonsgreatescapes.net. Norm Bigelow's books are also excellent,and you can get these from Shawn Ness at http://www.ealib.org But of course I do agree with Helen that constant practice is the best teacher.
Best regards, Tony Parisi

You can also buy a few books on picking handcuffs.

Experience is the best way to learn. I am in South Africa and have not been part of the internet setup, so I did not have access to sites or information, especially 10 years ago when I started. I inspected a set of cuffs that I bought second hand and thought, "I wonder if I could open these without a key." Being the Stubborn person that I am, I never gave up until I got it right. Been teaching myself since then. All escapes that I do have been learned on my own using trial and error. Knock on wood, So far I have not been bound in any way that I could not escape from. Warning to you though, if you do things in this fashion, be prepared to get hurt a LOT. I have broken each and ever bone in both my hands just practising escapes from different bindings. So beware. Everyone Here will help with ideas and links to the best stuff you can get. PM Me if you want some tips and tricks to help you in your quest for knowledge.

" Thanks guys. I also vote you the nicest forum guys. Your such a community and respectfull to everybody. Thanks "

*Blush* Thank you. You got the brownie points from all of us on that one.

Regards
Wolflock

I would drop the real Mr.Escape, Steve Santini an email. He is full of knowledge and could provide much info on escapes and the inner workings of picking locks/cuffs.

Don Randini

Thanks guys. To wolflock, its Houdini1313 from E.
Could you pm me or e-mail me his e-mail? I guess I could google it. Thanks
H

I would agree with AJP about the Ian McCall books. I have both the Handcuff Manipulation Kit and his more recent book Advanced Handcuff Manipulation. The first is perfect for the beginner as you get a cut away of a real S&W model 100 cuff which will help you learn how the mechanism works as you learn how to pick it as well as a pick and a shim. The second book is really for more advanced EA's who have a basic knowledge of cuffs, which I would consider once you have applied what you have learnt in the HCMK.
If you do decide to get the HCMK I would suggest getting a real set of S&W 100's as these will obviously open in the exact same way as the cut away.
REMEMBER TO ALWAYS HAVE THE KEY IN AN EASY TO REACH PLACE AND HAVE SOMEONE NEARBY WHO CAN LET YOU OUT IF YOU NEED IT.

Also a suggestion that Ros forgot to tip you about. Don't tick off the person near by you who is there to help you get out.

Just Gimmick the lock.

I don't do handcuffs, but there is a very good, and very big E-book around that explains locks, picking, etc.

It helped me out a lot in the past.

And it is free.

Rob where can one Access this book.

Houdini. I will give you a few tips on MfM.

Some people do pick locks but sometimes a lock cant be picked.

Depends on who you ask Don, But I have to agree with you. Ah. your online, smelled me out did you.
*Wolf sniffs to see if he really smells that bad*

Gives wolfie a case of deodrant. don't think your that bad or are you

*Wolf Faints*

Is the smell that bad j/k wolfie the deodorant was a xmas gift

I have received a flood of PMs and requests on where to find this guide. Well, here is one of many links.

http://www.gregmiller.net/locks/mitguide/MITLockGuide.pdf

It is good reading material Rob. Thanks a stack.

I'll plug another member of this site: pastorclyde has a series of escape courses and the one regarding handcuffs is on ebay right now. Search for "Escape Artist Course #1" and you'll find it. Starting bid $25. I'm relatively new here but Clyde seems like a nice and knowledgable guy, so I'd imagine his stuff is a good place to start.