Best Handcuffs 2023

Handcuffs are one of the irreplaceable items for law enforcement pros, guards, military and correctional facility officers.

All day-round wearing on the belt not only cuffs but other security gear makes their weight crucial, as well as features of sturdiness.

Why do we need handcuffs?

Handcuffs are developed as a restraint unit to fix a person’s wrists close to each other. They consist of two parts (with rotating arms that are locked due to the engagement with a ratchet), joined together by a chain, a rigid bar, or a hinge. Despite there being some ways to pick some handcuffs without keys, they are still commonly used by police, security forces, or staff on-duty. Among usual citizens, cuffs have become popular not for security reasons, but in more peaceful aims, which are not at all about “detention”.

TOP-17 Handcuffs

Image	Product	Brand
	Smith & Wesson S&W 100 STD Melonite Handcuff	Smith & Wesson
	ASP Hinge Aluminum Bow Ultra Cuffs	ASP
	Smith & Wesson M&P 100 Lever Lock Melonite	Smith & Wesson
	Peerless Handcuff 730c Superlite Chain Link Handcuffs	Peerless
	Smith & Wesson S&W 300 STD Handcuffs	Smith & Wesson
	ASP Tactical Handcuff, Restraint Open Top Cases for Hinged	ASP
	Monadnock Cuff Oversized Steloy Hinge Handcuff	Monadnock
	Smith & Wesson S&W Model 1 Hinged Nickel Handcuff	Smith & Wesson
	UZI Professional Handcuffs	UZI
	ASP Ultra Handcuffs - Chain Cuffs	ASP
	Smith & Wesson S&W 100 STD Nickel Handcuff	Smith & Wesson
	Mtech MT-S4508 Handcuffs	Mtech
	Mace Mts Nickel Plated Chain Link Handcuff	Mts
	Hiatt-Thompson Hiatt - Oversized Hinged Handcuff	Hiatt
	Peerless Handcuff Model 702b-6x 6 Inch Chain	Peerless
	Monadnock Model 8220 Double Cuff	Monadnock
	Fobus USA CU9G Single Magazine and Handcuff Pouch With Paddle	Fobus USA

#1 Smith & Wesson S&W 100 STD Melonite Handcuff

Smith & Wesson handcuff (model 100 Slot lock Melonite) meets NIJ (National Institute of Justice) standard 0307.01. Their weight is10 oz, its wrist opening is 2.04 inches, and the distance between the cuffs is 2.00 inches. S&W handcuffs come with two keys.

#2 ASP Hinge Aluminum Bow Ultra Cuffs

These ASP restraints blades and handles are made of 7075 T6 ordnance-grade aluminum. ASP offers 3 black finish models of Hinge Bow Ultra cuffs, according to the colored light indicators (Green, Blue, or Yellow), which show instant lock status recognition, on the double lock slots. Locks (primary and double) are opened by a single-direction key turning. The unitized locks can be field-serviced when needed, or be replaced with a high-security set.

#3 Smith & Wesson M&P 100 Lever Lock Melonite

Smith & Wesson M&P 100 Lever Lock cuffs have typical S&W construction with an excellent durable black stylish finish. There is no need for a breaking-in period, as these cuffs work smooth, just keep them clean and oiled.

#4 Peerless Handcuff 730c Superlite Chain Link Handcuffs

Peerless Handcuff developed a new 730c model of Superlite Chain Link handcuffs, with a weight of 5.2 oz that is almost twice lighter than competitors’ similar cuffs. The main materials of Superlite Chain Link handcuffs are Stainless and Carbon steel, aerospace-grade Aluminum. The 730c model components are steel chain links and swivels, spun rivet unit, smooth single-strand mechanism (with 21 locking positions and a push-pin double-lock) two keys included.

#5 Smith & Wesson S&W 300 STD Handcuffs

S&W STD Handcuffs are available in 3 models: two of them 300 STD are hinged one with Blued or Nickel finishing, the rest one is 100 STD Blued. The main material of S&W STD Handcuffs is Steel and Nickel, these models are adjustable. The weight of the cuffs is 10 ounces, the range between the pair is 2.00 inches. The retainers can open on the wrists at 2.04 inches. S&W handcuffs have two keys.

#6 ASP Tactical Handcuff, Restraint Open Top Cases for Hinged

ASP produces Handcuff Open Top Cases for Chain or Hinged Restraints in 4 color models: Black, Basketweave, Ballistic, ASPTec. ASP has taken care of easy access and comfortable and safe storage of the cuffs, manufacturing black leather handcuffs cases (with black snap closure) that allows officials, who need to restrain offenders, to react efficiently and quickly. The restraint Open Top Cases are corner-stitched, that’s why even the wear of repeated cuffs retrievals will not cause detaching of the front part from the back one. The open bottom is a necessary extra space for the handcuff hinges or chains. These cases fit on any standard duty belt (up to 2.5 inches in width) due to the pull-through retention strap on the case back-side.

#7 Monadnock Cuff Oversized Steloy Hinge Handcuff

Monadnock 3154-H is an oversized Steloy Hinged Handcuff with Nickel finishing. Hinge handcuffs give the officers more control than chain ones while using them. Monadnock produces high-end tactical equipment for a very long time to provide law enforcement officers with the finest obtainable gear. Hiatt hinged handcuffs are not only lightweight, but sturdy as well due to the material Steloy, which is a combo of aluminum and steel.

#8 Smith & Wesson S&W Model 1 Hinged Nickel Handcuff

Smith & Wesson designed Model 1H-1 as a universal hinge handcuff with pin-lock. S&W hinged Handcuffs are made of carbon steel, which ensures cuffs’ durability and sturdiness, with nickel color finishing. These retainers open 12% larger and close 11% smaller than standard handcuffs. The wrist opening equals 2.40 in, the length between cuffs is 2.00 in. The total handcuffs weight is 12.0 oz.

#9 UZI Professional Handcuffs

UZI proposes 2 models of professional chain handcuffs, depending on the finish: Black and Stainless Steel. These models come with 2 keys. UZI Professional Handcuff is a plated double-lock with 20 locking positions retainer (0.7 lbs weight), which needs to be lubricated with light oil from time to time.

#10 ASP Ultra Handcuffs – Chain Cuffs

ASP Ultra Chain Handcuffs are produced of 6 models with different pawl designs: Overmolded stainless steel, 3 Pawl, Green, European; Overmolded stainless steel, 2 Pawl, Blue, Security; Overmolded stainless steel, 1 Pawl, Yellow, Tactical; Aluminum,3 Pawl, Green, European; Aluminum,1 Pawl, Yellow, Tactical; Aluminum, 2 Pawl, Blue, Security.
ASP employed special technology to meet a new standard for police duty handcuffs to be lightweight due to the particularly designed frame from aluminum. ASP Ultra Handcuffs has a high contact bow face, each of which is cast to shape and profile trimmed with precise machining. ASP manufacturer engraved with the laser on the handcuffs a unique serial number and the manufacture date.

#11 Smith & Wesson S&W 100 STD Nickel Handcuff

The main material of handcuffs is nickel-plated carbon steel with a nickel finish. Smith & Wesson 100 STD Handcuff has a double locking system, operating due to a slot lock as well as a key actuated lock. The main measures are standard and the same for Smith & Wesson handcuffs: 2.00 in is the gap length between the retainers, 2.04 in is a wrist opening, and their weight is 10.0 oz.

#12 Mtech MT-S4508 Handcuffs

Mtech USA produces 4 models of Handcuffs with chains (3 types: silver, black, and pink/silver) and one with a rigid bar (silver), all patterns come with two keys. These cuffs work with a regular standard handcuff key as well. Mtech proposes Handcuffs series, made of durable carbon steel, with double-lock.

#13 Mace Mts Nickel Plated Chain Link Handcuff

Mace Mts Handcuff is made of carbon steel. It is Nickel plated retainers with chain linking. These handcuffs weigh 8.8 oz. The main measures are: 2.0 in is a wrist opening, 9.0 in is a maximal overall length, 2.8 mm is a jaw thickness. The pawl comes with two standard keys.

#14 Hiatt-Thompson Hiatt – Oversized Hinged Handcuff

Hiatt-Thompson oversized handcuffs link with a solid hinged connection, which is more durable than the cuffs with the roller chain. These handcuffs feel comfortable in the hands and easy to grip and carry.

#15 Peerless Handcuff Model 702b-6x 6 Inch Chain

Peerless handcuffs (model 702b-6x) with nickel finish have a 6-Inch chain between cuffs. The chain handcuffs operate due to the double-locking and come with two keys.

BONUS #1: Monadnock Model 8220 Double Cuff

These restraints are designed by Monadnock as a plastic zip cuff perfect for jail use to quickly control prisoners’ wrists, forearms and ankles. The Safariland 8220 double-handcuffs in one provides enough space to write down offender information. These cuffs come with a pack of 10. The standard length of zip handcuffs is 34″.

BONUS #2: Fobus USA CU9G Single Magazine and Handcuff Pouch With Paddle

The Fobus USA developed CU9G two pouches in one: for one-gun magazine and handcuffs, which will come in handy for law enforcement professions. This case is produced of a durable plastic material with a smooth finish, black color, and rubberized paddle insert to ensure additional stability and convenience on the belt. The mag holster will be appropriate for a variety of semi-auto pistols. The handcuffs case will fit both chain and hinged retainers.

FAQ

Conclusion

The important handcuffs features are: lightweight; material: steel is stronger than aluminum; sturdy connection (hinge is more reliable than a chain because it’s more difficult to pick the handcuffs by reaching the keyhole or wiggle hands out of them), smooth edges. Black-Oxide finish is not a lasting coating, it wears over time. If you want the handcuffs to serve you long, maintain them in good operation conditions, especially keep them dry, and lubricate from time to time.

Best Pick

• ASP Hinge Aluminum Bow Ultra Cuffs. These ASP Hinged Cuffs comprise trustworthy components: conical, flat contact bow, forged aluminum frame without sharp or rough edges, dual-sided, single-turn keyways, and replaceable locksets, adjustable for all size wrists.

Budget Picks

• Smith & Wesson M&P 100 Lever Lock Melonite. The S&W lever lock option allows double-locking without using the key and needs just a thumb flick.
• Peerless Handcuff 730c Superlite Chain Link Handcuffs. These handcuffs make law enforcement pros work easier due to the lightweight (5.2 oz) and reliable locking mechanism with smooth single strand action.

Tatiana Kursakova

Professional shooter, traveller, survivalist

My love of guns is in my blood, since childhood I have spent hours enjoying the beauty of guns and adored going through their parts.

Tactical accessories are another passion of mine that I could write about endlessly - my house and garage are full of tactical gadgets, luckily my family shares my interests.

I'm infatuated with traveling that's why work at one place with a daily routine and standard schedule is not for me. I prefer copywriting and English tutoring as a freelancer. I live in a male family among constant talks about cars, guns, hunting, fishing, and, of course, dinosaurs 😊.

My husband is an obsessed hunter, and my two sons are fans of «Demolition Ranch» of YouTube blogger Matt Carriker. They are my best consultants about weapon and all-around ammunition topics. All together we share a love for adventures. Every camping or mounting hiking trip is a "small survival", giving irreplaceable experiences. Nothing can be better than the satisfaction of observing wild nature.

Motto: «Born in Ukraine, made is the USA».

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