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Learn about the origins of handcuffs on the day that George A. Carney was issued a patent.
Celebrate National Handcuff Day on Feb. 20 and get ready to honor one of the earliest forms of restraint! This day commemorates the invention of handcuffs, which have been used as a form of law enforcement since at least the 5th century BC. Since then, handcuff designs have evolved over time to become more sophisticated and secure, but their purpose remains unchanged - to keep people safe by restricting their movement. So take some time out of your day to recognize this important tool and all those who use them!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1400s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Metal Handcuffs Introduced</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the Middle Ages, metal handcuffs began to replace earlier forms of restraints, which were often made from rope or animal hides.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1862</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Wrist-Restraining Handcuffs Patented</div><div class='timeline-text'>W. V. Adams was granted a patent for a new style of handcuffs that placed the restraint over the wrists, rather than the fingers or thumbs.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1912</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Carney's Swinging Handcuff Patent</div><div class='timeline-text'>George A. Carney was awarded a patent for his design of a "swinging bow" ratchet - type handcuff.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1938</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Handcuffs Design</div><div class='timeline-text'>James Milton Gill patented a new handcuff design, featuring a single strand rather than double strand. This model is still widely used today.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Special Handcuffs Developed</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the late 20th century, several new types of handcuffs were developed to meet specific needs, such as hinged handcuffs and leg cuffs.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Handcuff Day Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first annual National Handcuff Day was celebrated, honoring the importance and history of handcuffs in law enforcement.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make your own handcuffs</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Making handcuffs is easier than you might think. All you need is a few pieces of string, a couple of paperclips, and some washers to make your own homemade set.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Play handcuff tag</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>One person is "it" and everyone else has to try to get away from them by running. If the person who is "it" catches someone else, they handcuff them with their homemade handcuffs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go out for handcuffs</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check out your local police supply store and buy a real set of handcuffs to use on National Handcuff Day. You may even be able to find some novelty handcuffs if you're lucky.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a handcuffing class</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>See if your local police station offers handcuffing classes for civilians. This is a great way to learn about proper handcuffing techniques and safety protocols for using handcuffs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a handcuff party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite your friends over for a night of handcuff fun. Play games like Handcuff Charades or Truth or Dare, or just hang out and have fun with the handcuffs.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Handcuffs can be a symbolic representation of strength and empowerment</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Although the use of handcuffs may seem intimidating, it can also serve as a reminder that we are all in control of our own destiny. Handcuffs are a symbol of protection and security, and connecting with this empowering mentality can help motivate us to reach our goals and create positive change in our lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Handcuffs provide an element of fun to any activity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Whether you want to use them for adventure activities like paintball or airsoft, or just for some silly role playing fun, handcuffs can add an exciting twist to almost anything! Plus, they make great props for themed photoshoots or cosplays - the possibilities are endless!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>They have a long history and deep cultural significance</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Handcuffs date back centuries and are thought to be derived from ancient Chinese shackles used for torture and punishment. But though their purpose has evolved over time, they still evoke strong emotions among many people - which is why National Handcuff Day is so important!</p></div></div>
National Handcuff Day is celebrated on February 20 every year. In 2024 National Handcuff Day will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Feb 20
Monday
2024
Feb 20
Tuesday
2025
Feb 20
Thursday
2026
Feb 20
Friday
2027
Feb 20
Saturday
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