PlastiCuffs

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PlastiCuffs (also called FlexiCuffs) are a form of physical restraint for the hands, using plastic straps. They effectively play the same role as handcuffs, except that they are cheaper and easier to carry. The traditional form of PlastiCuffs are cable ties, either two interlocking straps, or a single cable tie around both wrists. More recently, plastics-manufacturing companies have started to produce special plasticuff devices, comprising two interconnected straps as one item. These are generally injection moulded nylon items, selling for a few tens of cents each.

Plasticuffs are more uncomfortable than handcuffs for the person being restrained, especially if they are not applied correctly. More care and training are required for the person applying them in order to avoid making them too tight. With some models, it is possible to apply them so tightly as to restrict blood flow to the hands.

The low cost and light weight of PlastiCuffs has made them popular with riot police, for use in demonstrations where they anticipate a large number of arrests. They have the advantage of requiring large cutters to remove (easily detected on a person), compared to regular handcuffs where keys can easily be concealed. This may be one reason for their use in protest situations where a large number of protestors will be kept in groups, and where they've had time to prepare for arrests.

Both cable ties and PlastiCuffs are also in regular use by the military, where again their light weight is an advantage. They can be seen in many images of POWs, for example the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse pictures.

The availablility of PlastiCuffs has not made much impact on the BDSM scene, probably due to the discomfort of wearing them, and the possibility for inadvertent tightening, as they cannot be double-locked like handcuffs.

Various innovations on the PlastiCuff theme have been developed, including:

• Plasticuffs which can be released using a regular handcuff key
• Extremely lightweight restraints made from nylon cord, using a plastic device to hold the cord tight
• Use of various designs with softer and more flexible straps