Thumbcuffs?

[fireradio]

Just curious - has anyone here actually ever used thumbcuffs? Do you carry them? I've always seen them in the Galls catalog ( http://galls.com/style.html?assort=g...RS061&cat=3023 ) and I've always sort of chuckled at them. I suppose they could be useful in a pinch, but they just seem more like a novelty to me. Of course, I'm a newbie, so what do I know... what do you all think?

[locke1419]

I have never used them but I have heard that alot of people will use those with cuffs on small sized arms so it not so easy to slide out the cuffs and cause problems on the way to jail.

[jerrymaccauley]

There is a very good reason why most agencies will not allow the use of thumb cuffs. They can cause death. Yes, I said death. Apparently, there is an artery that actually runs along your radial nerve and into the thumb. Compressing this nerve/ artery can actually interfere with normal heart rhythms and cause failure. Try this test on yourself: Check your pulse by squeezing your own thumb. Notice how easy it is and squeeze harder. You can actually feel the blood pressure increase. So, that is why we don't recommend the use of thumb cuffs anymore.

[gotthblues]

There is a very good reason why most agencies will not allow the use of thumb cuffs. They can cause death. Yes, I said death. Apparently, there is an artery that actually runs along your radial nerve and into the thumb. Compressing this nerve/ artery can actually interfere with normal heart rhythms and cause failure. Try this test on yourself: Check your pulse by squeezing your own thumb. Notice how easy it is and squeeze harder. You can actually feel the blood pressure increase. So, that is why we don't recommend the use of thumb cuffs anymore.

ummm,,, so if i cant get a good hold around their neck, i can choke them out on their thumb,,,cool...