Choosing Handcuffs and Wrist Cuffs: Metal, Plush, or Studded
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by Verpakkingdeals.nl
6 min reading time
Metal, plush or synthetic leather? How to choose handcuffs and wrist restraints based on closure, sizing and material. Including what to prepare with them and how to keep them clean and intact.
In a product photo, handcuffs all look the same: two rings, a small chain in between, done. In practice, the difference lies in three things you can hardly see in that photo – how the clasp works, how widely the ring adjusts, and what material it's made of. Precisely these three points determine whether a set is still comfortable after half an hour or if you put it away in the back of the drawer after just one use. Below, we list them, along with what you need and how to keep cuffs clean and intact.
The clasp is more important than the appearance
Cuffs roughly fall into two groups, and these groups behave totally differently.
Metal cuffs with a key
This is the classic model: two metal brackets with a serrated clasp that clicks shut, plus a key to open them again. They close quickly and fit snugly. With this type, pay attention to two things. First: how many keys are included? One key means one point of failure. Second: does the cuff have a locking mechanism that prevents it from clicking tighter if pressure is applied? Without this lock, a metal cuff can unknowingly tighten a notch during use.
The Metal Handcuffs – Love Cuffs (€ 12.99) are an example of this type: classic model, low entry price, and the starting point for many people.
Textile or faux leather wrist cuffs
Here, the strap goes around the wrist and fastens with Velcro, a buckle, or a snap button. They sit wider on the wrist, distributing pressure over a larger area. This is usually more comfortable for extended use. Disadvantage: Velcro wears out and loses grip over time, especially if lint or hair gets into it. A buckle lasts longer but is slower to open.
Plush, metal, or faux leather: what the material does
Bare metal — hard, cold, unyielding. Great for short moments, less comfortable when weight is applied.
Metal with plush lining — the most popular middle ground. The inside is lined, the outside remains metal. The Furry Handcuffs Mix Box of 24 pieces in 4 colors (€ 54.00) is intended for those who need several at once — think of a store, a stall, or a group. Per piece, you'll end up paying much less than buying individually.
Faux leather — flexible, feels softer, but is susceptible to drying out and tearing if stored wet.
Metal with decoration — crystals, studs, or a gold-colored finish. Looks good in photos, but check that the decoration is secure and not on the inside. The Gold Handcuffs with Crystals (€ 19.95) are adjustable, which is not a given for this type.
Size: measure your wrist once
"Adjustable" and "one size" mean little as long as you don't know your own size. Measure the circumference of your wrist with a tape measure or a piece of string, just below the wrist bone. Most adult wrists are between 14 and 20 cm. Compare that with the stated adjustable range of the item.
The practical rule of thumb when putting them on: you should be able to slide one finger between the cuff and the skin. If you can't, it's too tight. If you can fit two fingers, the hand can probably slip out. With metal cuffs without a lock, recheck after there has been some movement.
What to prepare before you start
This is the part most often skipped. Have three things within reach:
The key — and preferably a second one in a fixed spot. Not in another room.
Something to cut with if you're working with rope or tape. With Kinky Rope, 5 meters of cotton bondage rope (€ 7.95) or Bondage Tape Black 15 meters (€ 14.99) this is more obvious than with a keyed cuff, but the principle is the same: you always want to be able to get out within seconds.
Clear agreements beforehand about when to stop. Simple and in advance, not during.
Furthermore: do not tie anything around the neck, and do not leave someone tied up alone. These are not complicated rules, but they are why a key is within arm's reach and not in your jacket pocket.
Cleaning and storing
Metal is the easiest: wipe with a cloth and a cleaner, let it dry thoroughly before storing, because moisture in the clasp will eventually lead to stiff gears. Plush lining should not be machine washed; dab it clean and let it air dry. Wipe faux leather dry and store it flat — if rolled up with a crease, you'll never get that crease out.
For wiping, a specific cleaner works better than soap, as it leaves no residue on metal or coating. Toy Cleaner Spray 150 ml (€ 8.95) or the odorless Toy Cleaner 120 ml (€ 7.95) do the job. The odorless variant is the logical choice if you don't want perfume on your items.
Store them dry and separately. Metal cuffs lying against faux leather will eventually leave an imprint.
What does it cost?
Type
Example
Price
Metal, classic model
Metal Handcuffs – Love Cuffs
€ 12,99
Wrist cuffs with studs, 4 cm wide
Handcuffs with Studs Red Line
€ 19,95
Set with cuffs
Handcuffs with Studs – Bondage Set
€ 19,95
Metal with decoration, adjustable
Gold Handcuffs with Crystals
€ 19,95
Bulk, 24 pieces
Furry Handcuffs Mix Box, 4 colors
€ 54,00
Rope, 5 meters cotton
Kinky Rope
€ 7,95
Cleaner
Toy Cleaner Odorless 120 ml
€ 7,95
In short
If you want something that closes quickly and looks classic, go for metal — with a spare key. If comfort for longer wear is your priority, choose wider textile or faux leather wrist cuffs and pay attention to the clasp. If you're unsure about the size, measure your wrist first; that saves you a return. And include the cleaner right away, because you'll need it for every type.
You can find the full range under Handcuffs and in the broader category BDSM. If you prefer to work with rope or tape, check out Bondage Rope & Bondage Tape; for maintenance, everything is grouped under Toy Cleaners. If you're unsure about a size, material, or the contents of a set, feel free to email info@verpakkingdeals.nl — we'd be happy to help before you order.
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