Originally Posted by Nouia
I did this a couple times as a quick way to lock the front wheel to the frame to supplement my other lock that was back on the rear wheel/frame. I used the Peerless handcuffs that I carry at work (I get to take them home). Handcuffs really aren't near as secure as people think. They're designed as temporary restraints only. For one thing, they use a universal key, and the links are quite tiny. They were designed for people, not things. That's why you always put the keyholes facing the subjects elbows when you cuff him; it's physically impossible to bend your wrists up around the backside of the lock to pick it. Very insecure for bikes though.
They look cool as hell though. Very satisfying clicking/ratcheting sound.
Yes, I do vaguely remember hearing about universal keys. It's true then (at least for the US) I don't really care, though. In theory only policemen should have that key, no?
It's just a front wheel and Bp is not NYC. Locked $50 front wheels don't get stolen, even if they're locked with the most pathetic lock there is.
Now that you brought it up again, do you think there's a chance of a civilian getting a pair of handcuffs? For a start, would it be illegal in principle?
Perhaps I should try and get American or other foreign ones. Then at least not every Hungarian policeman could get at my wheel, and it would bystep any legal issues. Hmmm.
Edit: a quick visit to ebay confirms my hunch that
these things are probably sold in gun/police/army - loving America. Can you confirm that these are the real thing?
It'd be nice to find out that Hungarian ones use a different key though.