I bought a handcuff key extender.
The ZT15 Zak Tool Extension Tool for Smith and Wesson handcuff keys to be exact.
Does it work?
Does it fit your handcuff key?
I’ve been testing it. My conclusion is that the handcuff key extender can be great at times.
Let’s dive in:
Is the handcuff key extension tool useful?
The short answer is yes.
It does its job by extending the handcuff key which makes the standard cuff key easier to use.
The question is; should you “invest” in a swivel handcuff key or rather a pen-style handcuff key.
Read this guide to find out more about which handcuff keys are on the market
The Zak Tool ZT15 Extension tool for Smith and Wesson handcuff keys
I bought the Zak Tool ZT15 extension tool.
Little did I know that it was the Smith and Wesson handcuff key extender.
They also have a model for Peerless handcuff keys.
I don’t have a S&W handcuff key…
What I have is a Peerless handcuff key and some unmarked universal handcuff keys.
Well, that turned out to be no problem…
My handcuff keys fit perfectly in the extension tool.
The Zak extension tool comes with an unlimited lifetime guarantee.
Keys used by prison guards are not covered by this guarantee. This is because of the heavy use. Source: Zak Tool website
When mounted, the key extender works like a regular swivel handcuff key.
It is easy to mount.
It’s normally done within a minute.
Assembly instructions:
- Unscrew the end cap
- Remove the security pin
- Insert the standard handcuff key into the slotted opening
- Place the end cap over the key tip, aligning the slot in the end cap with the tab on the key tip
- Carefully, hand-tighten the end cap onto the body.
- Replace the security pin into the hole near the ring portion of the key; tap into place until fully seated
Size: Just short of 3/8 inch (8,9 mm) without key and keyring.
Weight: About 0,075 lbs (35 grams)
Materials:
It’s not made of heat-treated stainless steel like many other Zak Tool products.
It’s made of carbon fiber.
The quality seems good though.
What keys can you use with it?
I’ve tested it with an unmarked key and my Peerless key. At Amazon customer reviews I can see that people are commenting on other brands as well.
- Smith and Wesson handcuff keys (Obviously)
- Peerless handcuff keys
- ASP handcuff keys
To summarize:
I think you can use all standard handcuff keys with this.
My thoughts on the key extension tool
Quality-wise, the product is extremely good!
Despite not being made of metal it seems highly durable.
I’ve used it a couple of times and I’ve had no problems.
I’ve questioned myself a couple of times why would one buy this product.
The key extender is great if you break the key. Then you can just change it.
My preference is a regular swivel handcuff key. It feels more solid.
But hey, it costs under $10! So you don’t need to skip meals just to buy and try it!
If you are using the Smith and Wesson 104 handcuffs (High-security handcuffs with special keys) it can be a great buy.
However, you can find regular pen handcuff keys for the S&M 104. Check here at Amazon.com
Other users’ experiences for the handcuff key extender
I read some of the customer reviews at Amazon and LApolicegear.com.
The reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
Some are negative of course you can’t miss that.
A few of the negative ones are because it didn’t come with a key (As described in the product description).
It has just under 5 out of 5 stars reviews at Amazon.
Here is an excerpt of what people are saying:
Positive:
- Good quality
- Good strength
- Low weight
- Sturdy
- Works well even with gloves on
Negative:
- Feels cheap
- Broke double lock after a few times of use
- Cheap plastic
- Too bulky
Conclusion:
It’s up to you to decide.
If you decide on buying a handcuff key extension tool, you probably won’t be disappointed.
It’s an amazing tool.
The quality is exceptionally good and it’s easy to work with.
Some have a bad experience with the quality and that the double lock breaks too easily.
But out of over 300 customer reviews, only a few people have experienced it.
So, I wouldn’t worry about the quality.
I would recommend you to consider a regular swivel handcuff key instead.
On the other hand, it costs nearly nothing:
So, buying one would only give you a better foundation to find a favorite.
If you’re interested, you can buy the key extender at amazon.com or LApolicegear.com
Interested in learning more about handcuffs? Be sure to check out our article about the different types of handcuffs.
