What is a common vulnerability of most handcuffs?

Handcuffs are designed with specific mechanisms to restrain individuals effectively, yet they do have vulnerabilities. One common vulnerability is their susceptibility to being "shimmied" or "picked." This means that, if a person knows the right techniques, they can manipulate the locking mechanism to escape from the handcuffs. This vulnerability arises from the design of the locking system in many handcuffs, which can sometimes be opened with simple tools or even improvised methods.

While material degradation, such as corrosion over time, and structural integrity, such as breaking under pressure, are legitimate concerns, they do not directly address the immediate security risk posed by a person escaping from properly applied restraints. Similarly, while specific designs may have adjustability issues, most handcuffs are designed to fit a variety of wrist sizes, making adjustability a less significant vulnerability compared to the ability to unlock them through unauthorized means. This critical point underscores the importance of proper application and monitoring of handcuffs to ensure effective restraint.