Do not be misled by commercial marketing claims.
Judging whether a handcuff uses an automatic or manual mechanism primarily depends on how the double lock (the feature that prevents the cuffs from tightening further) is engaged.
Manual Mechanisms: Require the user to explicitly push a pin or slide a lever on the handcuff body to engage the lock.
Automatic Mechanisms: Activate the double lock automatically when the ratchet is closed to a certain point of pressure, and they have no external manual lever at all.
Here is how to verify the mechanisms:
- Identify the Double Lock System
Manual Mechanism: Look for a small pin, button, or lever located on the edge of the handcuff, often called a “plunger” or “lever lock”. It must be pushed inward using the back of a handcuff key (the “actuator”) or figure tip.
Automatic Mechanism: These often lack the external push-pin or lever. They are designed to be self-triggered so that the double lock engages automatically to prevent over-tightening during application, reducing the need for fine motor skills during a struggle.
- Physical Inspection (“Test Click”)
Manual Test: Apply the cuff. If the handcuff can continue to ratchet tighter (click, click, click) after it is already firmly on the wrist until a pin is pushed, it is a manual, traditional cuff.
Automatic Test: When applying, if the cuff reaches a certain pressure point and refuses to tighten further, or if pushing a button is not needed to set the security, it is likely automatic.
It can be seen the rotational axes of the middle ratchets are working in different ways, the left side design in the above illustration can NEVER achieve a fully protection regardless the middle ratchet is shorter or longer, or where the rotational axis is located. It is theoretically IMPOSSIBLE to be activated at certain angles.
Conclusion:
Manual: in its specifications, a manual action (push or flip) is clearly stated to finally secure the handcuff.
Automatic: in its specifications, no manual action is stated to finally secure the handcuff.
Manual and Automatic never mixes, but commercials do, or sometimes with puffery. Always look into details.
