Kel-Met hinged handcuffs
Kel-Met hinge handcuffs serve as specialized equipment for law enforcement professionals such as the police and border guard, and are ideally suited for intervention scenarios that demand secure and reliable detainment of individuals. The advanced design expertly merges attributes of both classic hinge and rigid handcuffs, delivering a compact profile for ease of carry along with exceptional restraint and control over the apprehended person.
Stainless steel construction
Crafted from high-grade stainless steel in accordance with PN-EN 10088-1, the product ensures safety by being non-toxic, highly resistant to mechanical deterioration, and hypoallergenic. No galvanic coatings such as nickel or zinc are present in the handcuffs, fulfilling the stipulations of EU Directive 76/769/EEC-94/27/EEC for items intended for skin contact, in addition to meeting anticipated national legislation.
Structure and operating mechanism
The handcuffs are composed of two identical cuffs joined by a single-sided hinge. Designed to open to a 180-degree angle, they greatly restrict the movement of the detainee while enabling secure escort without the need for direct contact. Wide wrist openings have been incorporated to address the requirements specified by Polish law enforcement agencies.
Featuring a double-pawl locking system with a freely moving toothed arm, the mechanism provides enhanced security. Both cuffs utilize a ratchet lock that enables locking at any desired setting, which helps to avoid overtightening and unintentional release. Lock engagement is achieved by pressing the pin on the key, while the release occurs via turning the key in the lock. The ergonomic design of the cuffs reduces the chance of skin abrasions or injuries during proper use.
Ergonomics and safety
The hinge connector enables the handcuffs to fold similarly to chain models, allowing for easy transport in a standard holster. When opened to 180 degrees, they serve as rigid handcuffs for enhanced restraint. Correct application—with the reinforced section positioned outward—limits hinge motion naturally through the detainee’s forearms. Furthermore, the keyholes are positioned on the inside of the cuffs (facing toward the detainee), creating a barrier to access and reducing the risk of self-release.
Strength requirements
The handcuffs are engineered to endure static loads as specified below:
- Breaking force of 2300 N – applied within the plane of one cuff while the opposite cuff is securely locked in a holder. Once the force is removed, the handcuffs maintain their operational integrity.
- Bending force of 500 N – with the cuff restrained on the hinge side in a holder, load is exerted perpendicular to the plane at the end farthest from the hinge. No lasting deformation occurs under this force.
- Kel-Met handcuffs with hinge mechanism
- Includes two keys
- PN-EN 10088-1 – standard specifying the chemical composition and mechanical properties of stainless steels.
- 76/769/EEC-94/27/EEC – European Union directive restricting the presence of heavy metals, such as nickel, in products intended for skin contact. No galvanic coatings, including nickel or zinc, are utilized in the handcuffs.
- KGP standard – alignment with the Police Headquarters’ standards regarding handcuff construction, safety, and functional parameters.
- Fabricated from stainless steel that meets the requirements of PN-EN 10088-1.
- Constructed without galvanic coatings.
- Features a single-sided hinge enabling opening up to 180 degrees.
- Utilizes a double-pawl system.
- No requirement for extra hinge locks.
- Design allows for folding and convenient transport in a standard holster.
- Keyholes positioned on the detainee’s side.
- Manufactured in accordance with Polish National Police (KGP) regulations.
- Supplied with two keys for locking, unlocking, and ratchet mechanism operation.
- Built to withstand high resistance to breakage and bending forces.
Set contents
Standards and certifications
Kel-Met handcuffs are manufactured in accordance with the following specifications:
Key features
Technical data
Shade: Silver
Construction: Stainless steel
Mass: 450 g
Producer: Kel-Met, Poland