How to Get Out of Handcuffs

Nothing’s more interesting than an escape from seemingly unbeatable restraints, which may explain why magicians do surprisingly well with the ladies. While you may not be ready to worm your way out of a straitjacket just yet, you can still astonish a crowd by slipping out of a set of handcuffs.

1. Consider the Situation

Before you break free of your handcuffs, make sure your daring escape is a good idea. If law enforcement put the cuffs on you in the first place, keep them on – breaking free will only make your situation worse. Only use this maneuver in recreational settings.

2. Pin it Down

Every spy movie you’ve ever seen was right; bobby pins are incredibly handy for slipping out of cuffs. Have a friend cuff your hands in front of you, then figure out how to retrieve a bobby pin you’ve hidden somewhere on your body. Pull the little rubber tips off the end.

3. Round the Bends

Your bobby pin isn’t going to be ready right away. Prepare it by unbending the pin so its two halves form a right angle. Using pliers or the keyhole of the cuffs themselves, bend the tip of the straight portion of the bobby pin so that it ends with what looks like a small capital “L.”

4. Get in the Hole

Unlike the deadbolt on your front door, the lock on handcuffs isn’t particularly complicated. To pop it open, slip the angled end of your bobby pin into the thin part of the keyhole. While pressing down, rotate the pick in the slot. It may take a few tries, but the lock should pop open.