Stories of Tie Up Games

Safe to use handcuffs as part of a scene? If you do, which kind you use ?

Don't use the cheap ones avaiable for low $ almost everywhere, they are pretty unsafe and prone to hurt the victim if used for real restraining.
They need to have a double lock. If locked properly -by turning the key in the opposite direction after placing it on the victim- they cannot go tighter again even when placed under great pressure.
A good pointer is to check which handcuffs are used by the police.

Cheers

FF

Agree with Fesselfan. I have used them once or twice and reliability is vital.

I much prefer something that is easily removed or can be cut in an emergency. Handcuffs unless high quality are an unknown factor that a TUG can do without imo.

Well, it depends. I've had real handcuffs used on me that police/prison guards use. I've also had some used on me with a release switch.

It really comes down to you and the person you are playing with and experience level.

For me, I play bondage in real life and have since I was 19 and I am well in my 30s, so I enjoy the real stuff.

Those who are just starting or unsure, it would be best to use something less extreme and I suggest the ones with the safety release. It usually has this little switch that you slide to lock/unlock the position, and then on the cuff itself there is a release lever.

I have cheap ones ($9 each, with big key) and I have Smith & Weston's, with the small key (similar to what the police uses). the advantage of the cheap ones is that the key is bigger, the keyhole is bigger and it makes it a little easier to unlock. The S&W ones have small keyholes and especially on the black ones, the keyhole can be hard to see if there is no bright light.

The double locking on the S&W ones works much better than the cheap ones.

You can get a decent S&W pair for $50 on Amazon. Also, get one (or two) of the special keys that cops use, the handle is longer and they work easier.
But either way, always play safe.

There seems to be a small malfunction in getting a comment posted, but one more time:

I'd probably use stage or magicians' handcuffs. They look, feel, and work like the real things, and, like real handcuffs, and be "double locked." Without the key, or without knowing the trick, you can't take them off.

The double lock (and the handcuffs, themselves) can be picked with a piece of spring steel, 1/8th to 3/16ths of an inch wide; 3-4 inches long, (available in foot long lengths from any locksmith). Use wire cutters to clip the spring steel to the shorter length.

It takes a little practice, but with practice, you can get good at it.

They are available in both linked, and hinged, at most magic shops, and on the internet at eBay.

Drawscore

I have a pair of heavy duty police-grade Peerless steel handcuffs.
Worth about 40USD.

Asking whether or not they're safe is like asking whether or not crossing the street is safe.
Of course it's safe...IF you know how to use them and choose your playmates correctly.
There's no "yes" or "no". It's always an "if".

It might be a good idea to have some padding around the wrists, be it a long sleeve sweater or wristbands (like tennis players wear). Especially if you play rough.

Agree with what everyone else has said.

I'll also say in my own experience good police-grade ones (such as Peerless or Smith and Wesson if you live in the U.S. or Canada) are much better than the cheap stuff. The cheap ones tend to have sharp edges, rust faster, and are more likely to get stuck/ break. Which is naturally extra awkward if you happen to be wearing them at the time.

Skip cheaper or fuzzy stereotypical ones. Get real double hinged cuffs right off the bat, they'll fair much better over time and actually work.

I only allow police-grade type handcuffs used on me. And everyone is correct, it's a question of HOW they are used or IF the person KNOWS how to use them correctly. If they have no experience, I do not allow them to cuff me. Only experienced. I've been hurt by them before.... and yes they can cut you.