Counter Custody Tools




When it comes to more secure restraints like flexi-cuffs and purpose made handcuffs, we need to start working in the realm of counter custody tools. These are specific implements which make it possible to escape purpose made restraints, but can also be used to make escaping improvised restraints a bit easier.


Lets take a look at some of the typical tools which are available for counter custody.


Shims: These come in a variety of shapes and a couple different types. These are primarily used to escape handcuffs, but can also be used on cable ties or flexicuffs in certain instances.


Specialty handcuff keys: The easiest way to get out of handcuffs is with a key. If you have a key somewhere on you this makes life a lot easier. Specialty handcuff keys like the Delta Key and Universal Nylon Handcuff Keys are smaller and more easy to conceal on your body. Some are non-metallic making them more passable through checkpoints.


Small Razor Blades: These can be useful in removing tape, rope or cable ties/flexi cuff bindings. Some razor blades are made of ceramic, are very compact in profile and super easy to conceal.


Friction Saw: A length of aramid fibre cord is a good solution for a friction saw. A good method for getting out of cable ties and flexicuffs in particular. It is possible to use paracord or even shoe laces with this method, though purpose made cords are available too.


Improvised Tools: It is also possible to improvise many of these tools, in some cases it may even be necessary. Shims will not work on cuffs that are double locked, and the double lock will need to be overcome first before shimming is even possible. For this, improvised picks can be made from hairclips/bobby pins, paper clips, etc.


Some of these tools are self-explanatory, a handcuff key is a handcuff key, no matter how special, same goes for any type of blade. So we won’t go into any in-depth explanation of how these tools work, but will focus more on the specialised tools, the Shims, Friction Saws and some of the improvised picks.


First, lets take a look at how shims work.


Shimming:


Shimming is as old as the handcuff itself. The mere fact that most handcuffs haven’t changed in terms of their locking mechanism since 1919 is a reason why this technique still exists.


As mentioned above though, shimming can easily be negated by simply using the Double Lock function present on just about all handcuffs. The problem (or the upside, depending on your perspective) is that most people who are deploying handcuffs rarely ever use the Double Lock feature… in fact, the sad reality is that many LE don’t even get told about this feature of their cuffs.
So, for the purposes of this guide we are going to assume that the Double Lock feature of the cuffs is not engaged.


Shimming is basically inserting a thin sliver of material between the locking pawl and ratchet of the handcuff. This disengaged the locking mechanism (the actual teeth binding into the ratchet) and thus opens the cuff.




With practice this can be done fairly quickly and easily. It takes time to figure out the intricacies of the mechanism, like how deep the shim needs to go to release the lock, but the basic principal is pretty self-explanatory once you know what you’re trying to achieve.


One of the ironies that we found, is that poor quality cuffs are often the most difficult to shim due to tolerances that are all over the place and stiff mechanisms.

This can also be an important lesson for those of you who are in Security/LE who rely on securing violent criminals for your own safety. Proper handcuff protocol will negate the possibility of a criminal shimming his cuffs and getting free. Remember to use your double locks!


In the next Part we will take a look at some of the other tools, as well as how to improvise your own if you don’t have specialised ready made tools at hand.