Posted by Michael Busch on May 07, 2002 at 09:00:55:
In Reply to: Magnetic Cuffs posted by Monica on May 05, 2002 at 12:04:40:
Hello,
in fact on the "magnetic handcuffs" the only magnetic part is the key, nevertheless the term "magnetic handcuffs" often is used for the cuffs made by Fabrique Nationale in Belgium.
To open the cuff the key (magnet) is placed into the keyhole where it attracts the posterior part of the pawl that locks the swinging bow in place. When the key then is lifted a little this procedure will also lift the pawl and thus release the swinging bow.
This cuff model was discontinued by FN and replaced by the police in Belgium, because the cuffs are hard to remove from a non-co-operative prisoner. Besides this the cuff may be opened with any strong magnet that would fit into the key-hole.
It may be physically possible that the key-magnet becomes week, but I actually never heard about it.
I hope this was of some help for you. Please write again with any further questions.
Best wishes,
Michael Busch
Can anyone tell me which part(s)of a pair of magnetic handcuffs are actually magnetic? Also, what are the advantages/disadvantages to a police officer, prisoner or escapologist? And, does the magnetic component ever fatigue or weaken over time?