No one wants to be detained where they don't want to be. However, when faced with difficult situations, knowledge of some effective escape strategies will provide many benefits. The standard police handcuffs and the latest, the cable tie, can both go down the drain in seconds once you've mastered how to untie them. See how to get away from standard handcuffs or cable ties below.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Breaking Free from Standard Handcuffs Using Artificial Locks
Step 1. Find the wire
Most likely, you don't carry your keys in your pocket unless you're performing your escape as a magic trick. Does not matter; Keys can be made of various small materials that resemble wire. Look for one of the following items:
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paper clip. This is probably the easiest item to use as a homemade handcuff key, and also the easiest to get. Straighten the clip so it can be shaped into a lock.
- Hairpins or clips. Again, straighten it before it can be used. If the clip is covered with a plastic cover, remove it before using it.
- A long stiff wire.
Step 2. Insert it into the keyhole
Find the keyhole in the cuff and thread the straightened wire through it.
Step 3. Bend the wire
With the wire already inserted into the keyhole, bend it to about 70 degrees.
Step 4. Now, bend the wire in the other direction
Insert the wire back into the keyhole and bend the end again. The resulting shape is a corner like a small circle.
Step 5. Insert the “key” into the hole
Find the hole again and rock the bent piece of wire into the hole so that it faces the locked arm. The key must be at a 90 degree angle from the keyhole.
Step 6. Turn the key and open the cuffs
Like opening with a regular key, twist the wire. The wire will lift the locking device inside the cuff and unlock it.
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You may have to practice turning the lock in both directions before you can open it. Be patient.
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If opening the handcuffs from behind the body, be careful not to drop the wire during use.
Method 2 of 3: Breaking Free from Standard Handcuffs Using Shim
Step 1. Find a flat metal
You can use the clips on a pen or other small, flat, thin metal to open the cuffs. The metal should be at least as thin as a credit card, and small enough to fit into the locking mechanism of the cuffs. This small metal is called a shim.
Step 2. Insert the shim between the locking mechanism and the cuff serrations
Slide the shim into the locking mechanism so that it penetrates the serrations of the cuffs; basically a shim is attached along the edge of the cuff.
Step 3. Tighten the thread cuffs
With the shims in place, tighten the cuffs only by the thread.
Step 4. Push the shim and open the cuffs
When tightening the cuffs, push the shim. The handcuffs will open after that.
Method 3 of 3: Breaking Free from the Cable Tie Handcuffs
Step 1. Tighten the cable tie
For this method to work, the cable tie must be adjusted as tightly as possible by hand. This makes it easier to break. Whether your hands are cuffed in front or behind, pull the ends of the straps to secure them
Step 2. Position the cable tie lock between the wrists
Rotate the strap so that the lock is between the wrists. The lock is the weakest point of the cable tie, and to break it, the lock must be in the middle.
Step 3. Hit the cable tie with your buttocks or stomach
Using a fast, powerful motion, swing your arms and strike the cable tie against your buttocks if your hands are tied behind your back, or against your stomach if your hands are tied forward. The cable tie will break because of it.
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Open your elbows at the time of impact. This will add pressure to the cable tie.
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Let your hands bounce back off your body. The important point is not to hit yourself as hard as you can. But by banging the hand against the body, and letting it bounce back after impact.