Applying a Handcuff Knot

Easy

This is how to properly apply the various handcuff knots on this site if you want to do a belly-chain-style configuration.

Quick Cuffs Multi-loop Handcuff Knot Prusik Cuffs

When used with Prusik Cuffs, I have seen many an eel completely stymied by this simple technique. In fact, I have only ever had one person escape from it and I steadfastly stick to the story that I simply didn’t apply it correctly. ;) (This is backed up by the fact that when I immediately re-applied it, she couldn’t get out a second time… but she might just have been exhausted.)For this tie, I used one 10' (~3m) piece of Natural 6mm provided by my affiliate Twisted Monk.I use an amazing Natural hemp rope provided by my affiliate Twisted Monk. Check them out!Prerequisites:

Prerequisites

Prusik Cuffs

Quick Cuffs ('Texas Handcuffs')

Multi-loop Handcuffs

Square Knot | Surgeon's Knot

Video

Pictures & Text

Use these same steps to apply any handcuff knot in a belly chain style configuration. For this tutorial I will be using a Prusik Handcuff knot, which is my favorite handcuff knot.

Applying Prusik Cuffs (1)

Place the loops over the hands with the knot and tail ends on the pinkie side.

Applying Prusik Cuffs (2)

Tighten on the wrist. Tighten the loops so that your smallest finger can just barely be forced under the rope.

Applying Prusik Cuffs (3)

Lock the cuffs by doing a single overhand knot like this.

Applying Prusik Cuffs (4)

Tighten this Overhand Knot very firmly.

Applying Prusik Cuffs (5)

Now you can use the free ends to attach your partner’s hands to something. For example: your partner’s waist to form a “belly chain”, keeping the hands away from the mouth so they cannot use their teeth to pull the knot apart. Run the trailing ends around narrowest part of the person’s waist…

Applying Prusik Cuffs (6)

…to their back

Applying Prusik Cuffs (7)

Form the first half of a Surgeon’s Knot by doing one overhand…

Applying Prusik Cuffs (8)

…then adding a second twist.

Applying Prusik Cuffs (9)

We need to pull this very tight as well as it will loosen slightly with struggle. Here we will shift angles so you can better see how I tighten it.

Applying Prusik Cuffs (10)

Holding one tail in each hand, I push my partner forward just a little with my thumbs.

Applying Prusik Cuffs (11)

As they tip forward, I pull on the rope to help them catch their balance and, at the same time, pull my hands apart…

Applying Prusik Cuffs (12)

…hard. This almost always results in being able to close this knot even tighter, resulting in a much more secure tie.

Applying Prusik Cuffs (13)

Keep tension on the ends as you bring them together so that you don’t lose the tightness you just achieved.

Applying Prusik Cuffs (14)

Finally, lock the “belly chain” by completing the Surgeon’s Knot. I keep tension on the ropes with my hands as I am creating the second Overhand Knot. Once it is formed I then..

Applying Prusik Cuffs (15)