How To Escape Handcuffs Using A Paper Clip

Do you want to know how to escape handcuffs using a paper clip? We’ll tell you how here!

How to Escape Handcuffs | Breaking Out with a Paper Clip

Crafty Skill to Learn

Handcuffs are not the most complicated of locks. Honestly, these handcuff tricks are not really a big secret. When SHTF and someone abducts you for some reason, you’ll be glad you took the time to learn this.

With that said, having a paper clip as one of your everyday carry items is never a bad idea. This is a badass skill to learn and knowing how to unlock handcuffs without a key can actually save your life someday! It will someday be useful when SHTF and you get captured by an opposing force. If you want to learn this skill, check out this guide.

Note: We do not condone using this skill to escape from the authorities.

Step 1: Make the Paperclip/Key

Start by biting the small end of your paper clip to make a little dent at the top near the end. Unfold the side of the clip to make a little handle. This will be your makeshift key to free you from the handcuffs.

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Step 2: Paper Clip to Keyhole

Hold the clip between your third and fourth finger. Guide the head of the paper clip through the keyhole. Use the meaty part of your thumb to turn the makeshift handle and free your hand.

Step 3: Free the Other Hand

Once you have one hand lose, it’s really easy to free the other hand as well. Repeat Step 2. In just a few seconds, you should be free from the handcuffs. As a rule of thumb, go on the top edge of the keyhole on the thin side of the cuffs then turn toward the wide end of the cuffs to open them.

Important Notes

Other handcuffs have a double-locking mechanism. Learning how to pick handcuffs of this sort will be a little more difficult. To disengage the double-lock, turn the paper clip in the other direction until you hear a click, and then go ahead and open the cuffs the same way as instructed in the steps.

Check out this video by The King of Random on using a paper clip to pick a handcuff:

That’s all there is to it. Just remember whatever you do, never use this to try to escape from the police. It will only cause you more problems if you do. Come to think of it, staying out of trouble is always better, isn’t it? On the other hand, if you are in a life and death situation wherein you’re kidnapped or held hostage, mastery of freeing yourself from cuffs might save your life someday.

What can you say about escaping handcuffs using a paper clip? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Up Next: SELF DEFENSE: Escaping Your Captors In The City

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on June 7, 2018, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.