Steve Santini is a man with a mission. He doesn't think much of the security of most modern restraints with their "Universal" handcuff key. But unlike others who may share the same opinion, Santini has done something about it. A highly regarded escape artist and a skilled locksmith, Santini knows what it takes to build a secure restraint. His inventions offer novel solutions to this vexing problem.

The Santini inventions are a product of his company "Mindworks". In the mid 1990s a division of Mindworks called "Securitech" marketed some of the Santini inventions. These inventions included all new designs as well as devices designed to protect the lock mechanisms of standard handcuffs and legirons. Hiatt Thompson acquired rights to and continues to market one Santini invention, a security or blue box for hinged handcuffs. Although Securitech is no longer active, Santini continues to invent and propose new ideas for modern restraints. He recently published a book, "Devices of Human Restraint." The book covers a wide variety of restraints from the ancient to the modern including some of the various Santini "Inventions" discussed here.

---

Two Approaches to Security

Santini has taken two approaches to the "Universal" handcuff key problem. The first approach is simply to use the universal key, but to redesign the restraint such that it is difficult for a prisoner to open the cuffs even if he has a key in his possession. The second approach is more direct, the use of a high security padlock either alone or as a supplement to the universal key.

---

The Peerless Pivot

One of the neatest Santini inventions is the Peerless Pivot. A conventional pair of Peerless handcuffs is modified by welding a bar to each cuff in place of the normal chain coupling. The bars to each cuff are riveted together by a swivel joint. The key hole is exposed only when the cuffs are partially folded making access to the key hold much more difficult. And for ultimate security a external padlock can be fitted over the swivel locking it in the extended position and blocking all acess to the key holes.

---

The Hiatt Spring Loaded Key Cover

What is better than a handcuff that requires a "Universal" handcuff key? How about a handcuff that requires two of them? This Santini invention is a modification of a standard Hiatt hinged handcuff. The key hole is covered by a sliding metal shield that is spring loaded. This key hole cover must be withdrawn and held open so the key can be inserted into the lock. In order to do this you need to hold the cover open with the double lock plunger end of a second key. This is a very secure modification. It would take considerable dexterity for any prisoner or Houdini "want-a-be" to open this cuff.