A handcuff key is a unique tool for a very specific situation, but it can be lifesaving if you are unlawfully detained. There are many types of handcuffs and keys out there, but some models are much more popular than others.
This is where we come in. We’ve researched the best handcuff keys, tested them, and now the results are in: the overall best, a covert option, and an upgrade option. If you need a handcuff key you can trust, one of our suggestions will perform under pressure.
Contents (Jump to a Section)
The Best Handcuff Key
Two-pack, Compact, and Proven
The same manufacturer of the popular S&W 100 cuffs gives us a universal key that is both compact and effective.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
The most popular cuff manufacturer happens to make the keys for their cuffs. You can pick up a 2-pack of the basic keys for less than $10, making it easy to grab a key and a spare for another kit.
Here is everything you get with these keys:
- 2-pack
- Works on S&W models 100, 300, 1850, and 1900
- 0.1 ounces
With rugged durability paired with good value, it’s easy to see why the Smith & Wesson Handcuff Key 2-Pack tops the rest.
Covert Handcuff Key
Covert, Effective, and Versatile
With a range of practical functionality, this bracelet makes it easy to keep a key on you daily.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
This solution is simple, an elastic bracelet with a handcuff key and tungsten carbide bead laced onto it. It’s also pretty discrete, as far as wearable tool-type jewelry goes. You can have a handcuff key on you at all times, even if your pockets are empty.
This bracelet really shines in its versatility, however. The tungsten striker bead works well with the elastic to break glass for escape or any other reason.
Here is how this wearable key measures up:
- Tungsten striker bead with elastic band for window-breaking
- Universal AHK3 key that works on key-blocking blades and large keyhole pins
- 0.1 ounces
If you are looking for a versatile handcuff key that you can covertly wear, this GTFO Handcuff Key and Glass Breaker Bracelet is the best option.
Upgrade Handcuff Key
Proven, Easy to Use, and Durable
Pop handcuffs consistently and constantly with this proven key used by security and law enforcement professionals.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP) make plenty of restraint gear and tools, with this small key as one of the cheapest yet most popular. This handcuff key prioritizes usability and durability and works on the most commonly used handcuff models.
Here are the specs:
- Knurled aluminum handle with stainless steel body
- Extended universal handcuff key
- 0.1 ounces
If you need a handcuff key for everyday use, the ASP Blue Line Handcuff Key is a great choice preferred by security professionals.
Everything We Recommend
Smith & Wesson Key
The same manufacturer of the popular S&W 100 cuffs gives us a universal key that is both compact and effective.
Where to Buy
$8* at Amazon
*at time of reviewing
ASP Blue Line Key
Pop handcuffs consistently and constantly with this proven key used by security and law enforcement professionals.
Where to Buy
$9* at ASP
*at time of reviewing
The Keys We Compared
Our research narrowed the field down to a few brands and types of handcuff keys that we compared: Smith & Wesson, ASP, GTFO, ASR, Zak Tool, Streamlight, Rothco, and more.
You can see our full list of review criteria below in the What to Look For section, with an explanation for each.
We considered a wide range of keys with plenty of different models across many different manufacturers. The trusted tools used every day proved their worth, especially over emergency-use plastic keys.
We’re always looking for new and better gear, so if you have a handcuff key that’s versatile and effective, let us know in the comments. We review most of our tested gear annually so we can try to get it in the next roundup round and see if it will beat out our top picks.
What to Look For
The best handcuff keys have a few features to look for:
- Value
- Functionality
- Durability
- Size & Weight
- Versatility
When you get the right blend of these, you can find the perfect key to escape most handcuffs. Below, we break down what each of these features means for the keys that truly set themselves apart.
Value: Cost vs. Benefit
The amount of money you spend on something like a handcuff key shouldn’t blow out your entire budget. Most of them are inexpensive, so you should be able to find one that fits your budget.
You never want to spend too much money on one resource, even when it comes to SERE supplies. It’s better to diversify your spending to make sure you are covered for a wide range of scenarios.
Functionality
The main consideration in our testing was whether a key actually worked, with how many cuffs, and the popularity of those cuffs. The rest is irrelevant if a handcuff key can’t pop open a common pair of handcuffs that you may find yourself in.
Keys that aren’t universal or that don’t address common handcuff models aren’t very useful unless they are specifically for handcuffs you own.
Durability
Material plays a big role in handcuff key durability. There can be a good amount of torque put on the keyed portion of a handcuff key, so the small tabs are prone to snapping off or bending if it is too brittle or pliable.
Stainless seemed to stand the test of time best, with plastic polymers being the worst as far as durability.
Size & Weight
Most handcuff keys are small and negligibly light with the exception of handled handcuff keys.
Wearing one, sewing it into clothing, or adding one to a kit adds only fractions of ounces. This makes a handcuff key have almost no drawback from adding it to any survival kit despite its very niche function.
Versatility
Speaking of niche functions, some handcuff keys do more. There are versatile ways to hide handcuff keys, ranging from your boot laces all the way to a bracelet. But some keys also offer even more functions, like window breakers, knives, and more.
Being able to use a key for multiple purposes makes it much less of a niche tool and better suited for a wide range of survival situations.
Are Handcuff Keys Legal?
Handcuff keys are legal in the United States federally and in all states with the lone exception of Florida.
Florida has a specific stipulation that considers ‘concealed’ handcuff keys unlawful to possess, which can escalate if you do not disclose to an officer immediately if you are handcuffed. It considers concealment as a key in your pocket, bag, sock, etc.
It’s a good idea to disclose your possession of a handcuff key in any state to avoid other charges, like resisting arrest.
Who Needs a Handcuff Key?
Not many people consider handcuff keys, even when it comes to survival. We don’t list it out for most of our kits, but it is highlighted as an essential item in one:
The urban nature of that kit makes the gear fit with very little drawback. We also suggest that you consider one for your daily loadout:
If you find yourself with extras, they are useful hidden in cars, mobile survival kits, or anywhere else you might even remotely be detained. There is very little drawback to including one with their weight and profile being so low.
How We Review Products: We research thoroughly before selecting the best products to review. We consult experts in the field for a better understanding of what makes the gear great. Hours on end are spent field testing gear in stressful conditions. We assign performance criteria and impartially rate each tested item. You can support us through our independently chosen links, which can earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. After our review process, some of the items reviewed end up in our giveaways.
Sources and References
All of our experience and the testing we do to determine the best handcuff keys are useless without listing our research sources and references. We leaned on these for the book knowledge that we paired with our hands-on testing and practical survival experience:
Clay, E. (1995). Handcuffs.The Police Journal. Volume 68. Page 178. (Source)
Sevindik, M. (2020). For Security Personnel: Handcuffing. Muka Print; Instanbul, Turkey. (Source)
Carrington, H. (1910). Handcuffs; and Escape Therefrom. Scientific American. Volume 103. Issue 24. Pages 460 – 470. (Source)
The Final Word
A handcuff key can make a difference if you have one at the right place at the right time. If you are being illegally restrained by non-law enforcement, you’ll want handcuffs to be the least of your worries.
Here are a few other gear reviews and guides our subscribers have found helpful:
We presented quite a lot of information, but as always: if you have any questions let us know and we would be happy to help. Our testing found the Smith & Wesson Handcuff Keys to be the best option given their value, functionality, durability, size/weight, and versatility.
Keep exploring, stay prepared, and be safe.
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