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davidj40 Regular user 101 Posts |
I am new to working with handcuffs and thought I would share my story to possibly prevent another bad situation.
I bought Mark Canon's Lightspeed handcuffs (by the way, they are great to deal with) and was going to escape and put the handcuffs on 2 spectators who were standing in front of me with their arms behind their backs. As a comedy bit prior to, I had handcuff keys come out of all of my pockets and shoes. I used generic handcuff keys and this was a huge mistake. After the bit was done, it was the close of the program and one of the spectators picked up a key to let himself out. He picked up a Hiatt key and it got stuck, but not until he double locked himself in. I did not know there were Hiatt keys in the mix. The lightspeed handcuff is Smith and Wesson. After working over 20 minutes with pliars and more, we could not release him and a friend of mine took the spectator to his shop to cut off the handcuff. The other spectator was freed easily. End result - my trying to save a few bucks by using generic keys cost me $100 by having to cut the lightspeed cuffs. I sent them to Mark Canon to check them out and he informed me of what happened. They were great to work with in this process and highly recommend them. At any rate, I hope this helps you avoid an error like mine. . . |
KingStardog Inner circle 2134 Posts |
A micrometer or digital caliper will show that keys vary from each manufacturer, and sometimes between lots. I would suggest dumping Hiatts and generics out of your stuff. More important is the control of the spectators and keys which should not leave your posession. In some states just telling someone to stay where they are when they want to leave is the assumption of custody.(an arrest)In the case of allowing a spectator to be restrained you assume full liability for their safety up to and including death. Having to leave show lack of experience. (which how are you supposed to get experience without doing?) The answer a professional would have, is to produce a 30" pr of boltcutters and nip them off, right on the spot. This goes for all manner of locks, cuffs etc. Things break and wear out, but when they see the cutters come out they know you have been around the block a few times. ;-)
...think not that all wisdom is in your school. You may have studied other paths,but, it is important to remember that no matter who you are or where you come from, there is always more to learn.
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aggieman Loyal user galveston, tx 207 Posts |
I don't own these cuffs, but could you not shim it open?
And for my big escapes I carry a pair of bolt cutters, its a nice touch to the stage set. Makes it seem more dangerous. |
Kevin Ridgeway V.I.P. Indianapolis, IN & Phoenix, AZ 1832 Posts |
Aggieman...Once the cuffs were double locked, shimming would no longer work.
Kevin
Living Illusions
Ridgeway & Johnson Entertainment Inc Kevin Ridgeway & Kristen Johnson aka Lady Houdini The World's Premier Female Escape Artist www.LadyHoudini.com www.livingillusions.com |
aggieman Loyal user galveston, tx 207 Posts |
Oh I didn't read that part I guess, or it left my mind.
Oh, k I see. never mind. |
KingStardog Inner circle 2134 Posts |
I suppose I should qualify the above statement, by saying that I myself made the pilgrimage to the shop to remove a set of Valor brand handcuffs that were double locked and broken.
One more thing to think on. The spring steel inside the cuffs does not tend to bend when it fails, but cracks due to its natural state. Like all metals it can have air bubbles or crystalization inside it that can't be detected till it fails. Quality manufacturers use quality steel. Probably should also add the new Chicagos with spun rivets are about as cheap as you should go for a part time duty cuff.
...think not that all wisdom is in your school. You may have studied other paths,but, it is important to remember that no matter who you are or where you come from, there is always more to learn.
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