How to Open Handcuffs

Whether you need to do a Harry Houdini-like performance trick or you need to break out shackles in an emergency situation, opening a pair of handcuffs is an important and relative simple thing to learn.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

With a Key

1. Locate the keyhole of the handcuffs by feeling along the lock plate of the cuffs or, if you're handcuffed with your hands in front of you, by simply taking a look at the cuffs. If you cannot see the handcuffs, you can feel the keyhole by running your fingers along the plate and feeling for the edge of the small hole. If you've been cuffed by a professional, with the holes facing up, then you need to get the cuffs in front of you or use your thumb to find the hole.
2. Pass the key to your more dexterous hand. If you are cuffed by chain cuffs then bring your hands as close together as possible. Use one hand to slip the key into the keyhole of the other handcuff. Be patient as you try to insert the key since it may not get in on the first try.
3. Turn the key and then pull your hand away from the center of the cuffs to open them. Use your free hand to open the handcuff of the shackled hand.

With a Bobby Pin

4. Bend a bobby pin at a right angle just past the half-way point of the pin. Then, bend the small section created by the first bend at a right angle in the opposite direction of the first bend. The result should be a pin that's bent to form two "L" shapes, the second being much shorter than the first.
5. Insert the short, bent end of the bobby pin into the lock of the handcuff and turn it one way. If the lock doesn't open at first, try turning the pin in the other direction first (in order to unlock a double lock) and then turn it back in the first direction to open the handcuffs.
6. Replace your bobby pin key after three uses since the flimsy pin wears out quickly.