thumbcuffs

{{short description|Physical restraint device used on the thumbs}}

{{More citations needed|date=July 2023}}Image:450px-(Thumbcuffs Bondage) Model Ina.jpg

Thumbcuffs are a metal restraining device that lock thumbs in proximity to each other.

Thumbcuffs were originally intended for use by detectives, narcotics officers and off-duty policemen, their size allowing them to be carried in the pocket. Most are rigid devices, while some used in Asian countries are chain-linked, like miniature handcuffs.

Thumbcuffs are rarely used due to an increased possibility of injury, most commonly by tight cuffs blocking blood circulation.{{Cite web |title=Thumb Cuffs: Fixed {{!}} Omega Research Foundation |url=https://omegaresearchfoundation.org/en/visual_glossary/thumb-cuffs-fixed |access-date=2023-07-01 |website=omegaresearchfoundation.org}} Their trade is illegal in the European Union.{{Citation |title=Regulation (EU) 2019/125 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 January 2019 concerning trade in certain goods which could be used for capital punishment, torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (codification) |date=2019-01-16 |url=http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/125/oj/eng |access-date=2023-11-21 |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2016-05-08 |title=EU: Council must end commercial advertising of brutal tools of torture in Europe |url=https://www.amnesty.eu/news/eu-council-must-end-commercial-advertising-of-brutal-tools-of-torture-in-europe-0977/ |access-date=2023-11-21 |website=European Institutions Office |language=en-GB}} Handcuffs are usually used instead.{{Cite web |last=TIHK |title=Are All Handcuff Keys Universal? |url=https://tihk.co/blogs/news/are-all-handcuff-keys-universal |access-date=2023-07-01 |website=TIHK |language=en}}

Thumbcuffs may also be used as improvised toecuffs by locking the big toes in proximity to each other.

Thumbcuffs with double locks have a lockspring which, when engaged, usually using the top of the key, stops the thumbcuff from ratcheting tighter and prevents the subject from tightening them, possibly causing injury. Double locks also make picking the locks more difficult.