Hinged vs Chain Handcuffs: An Officer’s Comparison

The difference between hinged and chain handcuffs looks almost self-explanatory, but the connector changes how they apply, move and feel in use.

My short answer: if I could carry only one type, I would choose chain handcuffs for their easier application and wider range of fit. Hinged cuffs give better leverage and tighter control, which can be useful with a resisting subject, but they are less forgiving of limited shoulder or wrist mobility.

In simple terms, hinged handcuffs use a rigid hinge between the cuffs. Chain handcuffs use short links and swivels that let each cuff rotate more independently.

Hinged vs Chain Handcuffs: The Practical Difference

If you are comparing specific models, I have also written about five handcuffs I have personally tested. A familiar brand name is useful, but it does not replace checking the design, condition, and fit for your work.

It makes more sense to discuss when to use a hinged handcuff versus when to use a chained handcuff. There are situations where hinged handcuffs are a better choice than chained handcuffs. 

Foreverpolice has already written an article describing the different types of handcuffs and their pros and cons. 

This article goes more in-depth regarding the specific differences between hinged and chained handcuffs.

When are hinged handcuffs the better choice?

Hinged handcuffs have less movement than chained handcuffs as they only allow movement in two directions. This gives the police officer applying the handcuffs better control. 

When a subject is resisting during handcuffing, the reduced movement can give the officer more control after the first cuff is on. That leverage must be used only as trained and only to the degree that is lawful, necessary and consistent with department policy. A hinged cuff is not an excuse to improvise a pain-compliance technique.

I know that force is sometimes needed and that some people fight hard during an arrest. I also know that the handcuffing itself can cause an avoidable injury if an officer loses track of pressure, position or circulation. Double-lock the cuffs, check the fit and keep monitoring the person’s hands.

If a person has low mobility, it can be really hard and painful for the subject to use hinged handcuffs. You should also be aware that the risk for stopping the blood flow to a person’s hand is higher with hinged handcuffs.

In short, hinged handcuffs are a better choice than chained handcuffs in a situation where you need some extra control over the subject.

When are chained handcuffs the better choice?

Chained handcuffs are probably the type of police handcuffs used most often.

Chain handcuffs allow more rotation and independent wrist movement than hinged cuffs. The person is still restrained, but that extra movement can make the cuffs easier to apply and less demanding on someone with limited joint mobility.

Because of the chained handcuffs’ ability to rotate and tilt, chained handcuffs are often easier to apply than hinged handcuffs, especially when the person you’re arresting has low joint mobility.

The ability to rotate and tilt the handcuffs can also make it harder for you to control the suspect if he or she resists. That being said, chained handcuffs are not a bad option. In general, they are really good and give you the amount of control needed in almost any situation.

In most cases, chained handcuffs are the best option.

In Conclusion On Hinged vs Chain Handcuffs

What’s going to work best for you is up to you to decide. But let me put it this way:

If you’re going to carry only one type of handcuffs, I would suggest chained handcuffs as they are the best overall choice.

A familiar brand is not enough by itself. Before carrying any pair, test the lock and double lock with your duty keys, inspect the single strand and swivels, and make sure the model fits the range of wrists you are likely to encounter.

There are not many differences between the brands but there are a couple. We’ve reviewed the two most popular brands in this mini-guide: Peerless vs Smith and Wesson Handcuffs.

Also check out our article on the best chained handcuffs and the article on the best hinged handcuffs.