Handcuffs vs. Manacle — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 24, 2024
Handcuffs are used primarily for temporary restraint during law enforcement activities, featuring a double cuff connected by a chain or hinge; manacles, however, are often heavier, more historic forms of shackles used for long-term detainment or punishmen
Difference Between Handcuffs and Manacle
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Key Differences
Handcuffs are typically made from metal and are designed to be adjustable to fit different wrist sizes, utilizing a ratcheting mechanism for tightening. Manacles, on the other hand, may not offer adjustability and can be made from a variety of materials, including heavy metals.
In law enforcement, handcuffs are standard equipment used to restrain suspects safely and prevent them from escaping during transport. Whereas manacles were historically used to secure prisoners more permanently, often in dungeon settings or during public punishments.
Handcuffs generally have a double-loop design, allowing each wrist to be cuffed separately but connected by a short chain or hinge. In contrast, manacles might consist of a single metal band with a more rigid or longer connecting chain, used for both wrists and ankles.
Modern use of handcuffs includes safety features like double locking mechanisms to prevent the cuffs from tightening inadvertently. On the other hand, manacles often lacked such refinements, which could lead to injuries due to their more punitive design.
Accessibility of handcuffs is widespread among police and security personnel, designed for quick application and removal with a key. Manacles, however, are more often seen today in historical reenactments or as part of museum displays due to their brutal history.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Temporarily restraining suspects in law enforcement
Long-term detainment or punishment
Design
Adjustable, double-loop connected by chain or hinge
Often non-adjustable, can be single loop
Material
Typically metal
Metal, sometimes heavier
Safety Features
Double locking mechanisms
Usually none, can be more injurious
Modern Usage
Widely used by police and security forces
Rare, mainly historical or decorative use
Compare with Definitions
Handcuffs
A device for securing a person's wrists, typically made of metal.
The officer placed the handcuffs on the suspect’s wrists securely.
Manacle
An ancient form of restraint made of heavy metal.
The dungeon was equipped with rusted manacles on the walls.
Handcuffs
Used by law enforcement to prevent escape.
Handcuffs are crucial tools for ensuring the safety of both officers and the public.
Manacle
Often used for punishment or torture.
Historical documents recount the use of manacles for long-term punishment.
Handcuffs
Can be connected by a chain or hinge for mobility control.
The handcuffs connected by a hinge allowed less movement than those with chains.
Manacle
Typically heavier and less safe than handcuffs.
The old manacles found in the shipwreck were heavy and crude.
Handcuffs
Often used in pairs for each hand.
Two pairs of handcuffs were used when the suspect resisted arrest.
Manacle
Can be used for both wrists and ankles.
Manacles were clamped on both his wrists and ankles, restricting all movement.
Handcuffs
Features a locking mechanism to prevent unwanted tightening.
She checked the handcuffs for the double-lock feature to prevent injury.
Manacle
More commonly found in historical contexts.
Manacles are displayed in museums to educate about medieval punitive methods.
Handcuffs
Handcuffs are restraint devices designed to secure an individual's wrists in proximity to each other. They comprise two parts, linked together by a chain, a hinge, or rigid bar.
Manacle
A device for confining the hands, usually consisting of a set of two metal rings that are fastened about the wrists and joined by a metal chain.
Handcuffs
A restraining device consisting of a pair of strong, connected hoops that can be tightened and locked about the wrists and used on one or both arms of a prisoner in custody.
Manacle
Something that confines or restrains
"caught in the manacles of their language" (Cynthia Ozick).
Handcuffs
To put handcuffs on (a person).
Manacle
To put manacles on (someone); restrain with manacles.
Handcuffs
To restrain or render ineffective.
Manacle
To restrain the action or progress of
"[She was] manacled by the restrictions of an overbearing father" (Lilian Faderman).
Handcuffs
A fastening consisting of two metal rings, designed to go around a person's wrists, and connected by a chain or hinge.
Manacle
A shackle for the wrist, usually consisting of a pair of joined rings; a handcuff; (by extension) a similar device put around an ankle to restrict free movement.
Handcuffs
Shackle that consists of a metal loop that can be locked around the wrist; usually used in pairs
Manacle
(figuratively) A fetter, a restriction.
Manacle
(ambitransitive) To confine with manacles.
Manacle
A handcuff; a shackle for the hand or wrist; - usually in the plural.
Doctrine unto fools is as fetters on the feet, and like manacles on the right hand.
Manacle
To put handcuffs or other fastening upon, for confining the hands; to shackle; to confine; to restrain from the use of the limbs or natural powers.
Is it thus you use this monarch, to manacle and shackle him hand and foot ?
Manacle
Shackle that consists of a metal loop that can be locked around the wrist; usually used in pairs
Manacle
Confine or restrain with or as if with manacles or handcuffs;
The police handcuffed the suspect at the scene of the crime
Common Curiosities
What types of locking mechanisms are used in handcuffs?
Handcuffs typically use a key-operated locking mechanism with an option for double locking to prevent the cuffs from tightening unintentionally.
Do handcuffs come in different sizes?
Yes, while most handcuffs are adjustable to fit a wide range of wrist sizes, there are also specially sized handcuffs for larger or smaller wrists.
Were manacles used in any specific historical periods?
Manacles were widely used during medieval times and through to the early modern period, particularly in dungeons and during transport of prisoners.
Are there different types of handcuffs?
Yes, there are several types of handcuffs including chain handcuffs, hinge handcuffs, and plastic zip-tie handcuffs, each serving different restraining purposes.
Have there been any improvements or innovations in handcuff design?
Recent innovations include the development of handcuffs with electronic controls, padded handcuffs for reducing wrist injury, and lightweight materials like carbon fiber.
Can handcuffs be picked with tools like lock picks?
While it is possible to pick the lock of some handcuffs with specialized tools, it is illegal without authorization, and modern handcuffs are designed to be pick-resistant.
How are manacles different from other forms of historical restraints?
Unlike other restraints that might include ropes or stocks, manacles are specifically designed for attachment to the limbs and are typically made of metal.
What is the legal status of owning manacles or handcuffs?
Owning handcuffs is generally legal for civilians in many places, though they must be used lawfully. Manacles are not commonly sold but owning them is not necessarily illegal; however, their use is restricted to appropriate historical or educational contexts.
Are handcuffs considered humane for restraining individuals?
When used properly, handcuffs are considered a humane method to temporarily restrain individuals, provided they do not tighten beyond a preset point to cause injury.
How do manacles and handcuffs differ in historical significance?
Manacles have a long history associated with punishment and torture in medieval times, whereas handcuffs have been developed more recently with the rise of modern law enforcement.
Are there ethical concerns associated with the use of manacles?
Yes, due to their historical use for prolonged punishment and torture, ethical concerns arise regarding human rights when discussing the use of manacles.
How are handcuffs tested for safety and reliability?
Handcuffs are subjected to rigorous testing standards which include mechanical and strength tests to ensure they are safe and reliable for use in law enforcement.
What role do manacles play in modern historical studies or museums?
Manacles serve as important artifacts in museums and historical studies, helping to illustrate past penal practices and discussions on human rights developments.
What happens if a key to a pair of handcuffs is lost?
Law enforcement officers usually carry spare keys, and universal handcuff keys can open most standard handcuff models.
How do cultural representations of handcuffs and manacles differ?
In popular culture, handcuffs are often associated with law enforcement and justice, whereas manacles are typically depicted in historical or fantasy settings as tools of oppression.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
