Handcuffs

Handcuffs are a device designed to keep a captive's wrists fastened together. Most if not all modern handcuffs are made of metal, usually steel, but other materials have been used in the past.

Handcuffs feature two interconnected and adjustable loops, whose size adjustment can be locked in place to prevent the wearer from slipping their hands through the loops to gain more movement.

The cheapest variations, found in sex shops and novelty stores, use weaker and softer metals than the models used by law enforcement and other officials. Not only are they easier to escape from, but also a potential threat as the locking mechanism can bend sufficiently to make opening difficult. Most of the handcuffs sold with furry padding are of the novelty type. Although the padding provides some protection from harmful compression, their use requires at least a bit of awareness.

In bondage environments, some disapprove of handcuffs altogether for their narrow imprint and extra potential for compression injuries, as compared to specially designed and wider hand restraints such as bondage cuffs. In particular, suspension bondage should never be even contemplated with handcuffs but special suspension restraints should be used.

The wrists may be fastened either in front of or behind the body. Generally, in front is more comfortable for the wearer. Fastening behind makes it harder to escape or to use the hands. The wearer can usually, if the wrists are fastened behind, manoeuvre the cuffs over the feet to bring the wrists to the front. To prevent this, elbow bondage may be used.