Picking handcuffs is super easy, but, snapping those zip ties are not as easy as it sounds, unless I’m doing it wrong it hurts too much.
Yeah full disclaimer: This is a screenshot of something my friend posted and not my experience. I’d imagine it would hurt, but maybe I could practice it with … a very trusted friend lol
Zip cuffs are basically impossible to remove without a sharp edge. Metal cuffs are a lot easier to get out of.
Source: my dad’s ex cop friend tested this with us at his bar
Important note: zip ties (what is being discussed in the OP), and zip cuffs (cuffs that are made from similar material and tech) are very much NOT the same, and cannot be treated the same way.
Police “Flexicuffs” are legit, and designed to prevent this technique from working. The ‘smash against hard surface to break’ works on regular zip-ties, the kind a kidnapper or rapist buys from the hardware store
Picking handcuffs is indeed trivial, and basically all models are vulnerable to shimming under the ratchet pawl as well as using the (nearly) universal keys that are cheaply available online
Ah yes, the classic shimmery Rachel paw technique. I too am a master of lock picking.
I bought a handcuff key (on a keychain wand) on Cops Plus. The company didn’t require confirmation I was law enforcement.
YouTube algorithm “hey do you want to learn how to make gun barrels using pipe, electricity and water?”
Me “won’t deny I’m curious but I’m still not clicking that because I’m 90% sure I’ll get put on a list”
All handcuffs having the same key was actually utilized at stonewall. The leather folks took cabs over when they learned of the riot and started using their handcuff keys to free arrested people who were left alone
The handcuffs on the people sitting on the curb are free. You can just unlock them and keep them.
Every new fact I learn about Stonewall makes me respect the people who were involved even more.