Sex and Mischief metal handcuffs - handcuffs discontinued by Sportsheets - review by indiglo

The Sex & Mischief Metal Handcuffs by Sportsheets are basic metal handcuffs. They are ideal for light bondage play for those just starting to explore bondage, or as a costume accessory. Since they are metal and have no padding, they can cause some wrist pain if the wearer struggles against them, or if any tension is applied during bondage. They also have a quick release switch that is easy for the wearer to push if they need to get out in a hurry. These metal handcuffs are designed for wrists only and will not likely fit even the thinnest of ankles.

These handcuffs are made of nickel free metal. Those with nickel allergies should still be very careful about trying them; “nickel free” does not always mean that it is 100% free of all nickel. The finish on these cuffs is shiny and smooth, and scratches easily when the pieces clang together. The scratches do not look bad and also add to the realistic look of the handcuffs.

Each cuff has 8 notches in it, allowing the user to make them as tight or loose as they want. The easy off switch cannot be locked, so these cuffs will always have that built in safety feature if an immediate escape is ever needed. You won’t ever get stuck when cuffed to something with these handcuffs. The diameter of the cuffs can vary anywhere from 1.5” up to 2.5”, so they will fit a variety of wrist sizes.



The Sex & Mischief Metal Handcuffs are made in China. The chain that runs between both cuffs attaches to each cuff with a free swiveling connector. Both sides can swivel a full 360°. Closing the cuffs and pushing the notches through requires a decent amount of force, so these can’t just be slapped on someone’s wrists.



To unlock them, push one of the two supplied keys into the key hole. If the cuffs do not release, the key may need to be turned a quarter turn clockwise. The internal unlocking mechanism is made of plastic and is a little delicate, so if the cuffs don't open the first time, try pushing the key straight in again. (Watch the instant release lever to see if the key has been inserted and turned properly. When the key is working, the instant release lever will flip to the right rather than the left.) Both small keys are also made of metal and come on a very small key ring.

These cuffs definitely do their job of keeping the wearer’s hands secured. If the wearer struggles against them or pulls on them, they will also dig into the skin since they have no padding at all.

All the moving parts seem to require a little bit of force to be moved, closed or opened. You can't slap these cuffs on someone and close them one handed; you will need both hands. Using two hands will help you be sure that the two pieces of the cuffs meet up properly, and that the one slides in through the other to lock.

Unlocking these cuffs with the key is the most delicate feature. They do not spring open when unlocked; the lock just releases. So, just like for closing and locking them, you will need both hands to unlock and open them. The instant release switch always works like a charm, and if the wearer's hands are in the right position, gravity will cause the cuffs to fall open when unlocked or released.

If these cuffs become dirty for any reason, the best method of cleaning is to wipe them down with a slightly damp rag, according to the company rep. If these cuffs are washed with soap and running water, there is a pretty good chance they’ll eventually rust. It would be best to keep these cuffs dry and stored somewhere they will not be in contact with water or other liquids.

They can be safely stored in the box they come in, or inside a plastic baggie, an old tube sock, a toy pouch, or anything along those lines. They do not need any special maintenance or care, other than being kept dry.

These handcuffs come in a very sturdy cardboard box. Inside the box they are also kept protected in a sealed plastic bag. The box is far from discreet, having the Sex & Mischief logo on all sides, and pictures of a seductive woman wearing the cuffs. On the back the beginning of a short erotic story can be found, along with the website of the manufacturer.

This set is very pretty, and made well from an aesthetic point of view, but the mechanical parts don't work as well as I'd like them to. I’d prefer both parts that slide around the wrist to move easily and meet up perfectly on their own, and the key to spring them open easily and reliably every time. Ideally, I would like to be able to lock and unlock these handcuffs with one hand, rather than two.

These cuffs definitely look beautiful, have a good weight in my hand, and make that lovely clanging sound of metal on metal when you handle them. With the internal lock made of plastic, I’m concerned that something in there will break and stop working with time and repeated use.

This aspect of the handcuffs make them the ideal first pair for someone who isn’t yet sure if they’re going to enjoy bondage. But, someone who is already into bondage will most likely want a more solid pair of cuffs that are completely made of metal with no plastic parts inside.