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, or they have no external manual lever at all.
Here is how to judge the mechanism:
- 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”).
Automatic Mechanism: These often lack the external push-pin or lever. They are designed 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 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.
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.
