Hinged or chain cuffs?

[Terps_97]

My agency recently issued us S&W hinged cuffs. Just wondering what others out there prefer (hinged or chain) and why?

[TDF]

Chain Chain Chain!

The Chains can go on any which way. Once you get one on, you can wrestle around a bit and not have to line things up to get the other on. I have also found them easier to get on people who are less flexible (getting their arms to go behind their back all the way). This is also applicable when you have to double up.

[H. Schoolboy]

I use S&W hinged cuffs. We were issued chained, but the I feel these work much better, especially one handed when struggling with a subject. (Their either on right or their upside down, I'll take that 50-50 chance when I am putting them on and at the same time warily looking at a group who is deciding if they want to be stupid like their paisano)

Their play/movement is also greatly reduced.

[pantless]

Many of our cops carry one hinged and one chained, often using the hinged for less cooperative subjects. Then again one DT instructor told me that he only carries chained because the're easier to use if your wrestling with someone.

[kennethm3]

Both, one each. I prefer the hinged for most applications. You get one on and Presto! It is an instant compliance tool, no one fights long after you get one hinged cuff on. For me, they go on faster than chained and are easier to use one handed. On the flip side, I have cuffed some big guys who can't get their wrists close enough together and the hinged are too binding so I use the chained.

[H. Schoolboy]

people who are less flexible

Reminds me of DT. "Some people are more flexible than others.... oh well."

[nsedet]

I prefer hinged for the same reason mentioned above: once you get one on you have much better control of the suspect and can gain compliance more easily. I carry chained because they are easier to conceal in plainclothes, but in uniform I always carried both and used the hinged cuffs more often than not.

[work2live]

Have both, but hinged go on first, second, and third. Chain are used only as back-up or with waist chain. The mope's comfort and flexability are my least concern. Hinged offer better options for compliance, once placed on mope. I tended to see far less wigglers in hinged cuffs than in chian. Just my opinion, everyone has got one.

[kennethm3]

"The mope's comfort and flexability are my least concern"

I wish our transport distances were that short but here in L.A. we are talking usually an hour from point of arrest to either the L.A. Metro Detention or to L.A. County Central Jail (1/2 mile apart). Once on most of our freeways there is no stopping to make adjustments so we are forced to make concessions to comfort and flexibility to avoid lawsuits. If anyone has a way to used the hinged with a belly chain, do tell.

[UNHDET]

My department only allows the Peerless hinged cuffs. I'm not pleased with the situation either. I prefer to carry one of each, as I've found that the chain cuffs fit better on people with small wrists. Although, we do have the option of flex-cuffs on hand most all the time.

Has anyone used the new ASP hinged cuffs? I'm wondering if the size on those is better for the small-wrist crowd. I have yet to get my hands on a pair of them to check for myself.

[FedRich]

If anyone has a way to used the hinged with a belly chain, do tell.

Have you thought about using Hiatt Black/Blue boxes with the belly chains? This is what we used in the USMS along with leg irons.

[engr-to-fed]

I have a pair of both hinged and chain S&W. If you put them side by side, the hinged are almost an inch shorter. This can be an issue when you have an unflexible person. I carried the hinged as my secondary.

[bainodu]

Post deleted by moderator - please read the rules of the board regarding posting in old threads.