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Police officers quickly learn that the keys included with handcuffs are too small for efficient field use. In my ZAK Tool ZT-14 review, I will show you a superior solution that every law enforcement officer should own.
In fact, I’m such a strong believer that this is the best handcuff key that I recommend you purchase two – one for regular use and a second as a backup in your bailout bag.
Does that sound like a strong recommendation? I hope so, as I intend it to be just that. I’ve used mine for years and encourage you to pick up one yourself.
Enough with the introductory. Let’s get into the ZAK handcuff key review.
The Best Handcuff Key
Handcuffs have been around for hundreds of years. In fact, those metal bracelets are still the most widely used restraints for prisoners and suspects of criminal activity in the United States.
In the 20th century, handcuffs developed into a generally uniform design with the appearance and function being very similar from brand to brand. Manufacturers developed a simple and universal handcuff key and locking system. With few exceptions, a standard handcuff key will unlock most handcuffs regardless of brand or style.
The ZAK Tool ZT14 is a modern handcuff key designed to meet several operational needs of police officers. This review will highlight the benefits of selecting the ZAK Tool ZT14 handcuff key, as well as a comparison with several competitor models.
The ZAK Tool ZT-14 is my preferred handcuff key.
ZAK Tool offers a variety of law enforcement and first responder gear and tools. These include a variety of handcuff keys, entry tools, window punches, and even hydrant wrenches and saws.
Year ago, I selected the ZAK Tool ZT-14 handcuff key due to several specific features I was looking for in an everyday handcuff key. The ZT-14 met those features and has proven to be a very reliable and appreciated addition to my duty gear.
First, I wanted a longer handcuff key than the traditional (and small) handcuff keys that come with the set of handcuffs. A longer handcuff key provides a much greater tactile surface for controlling the key during high-risk handcuffing or dealing with resistive or large suspects.
Also, a longer handcuff key like the ZT-14 also is much easier to retrieve for use or find if dropped.
These small handcuff keys seem to come standard with most handcuffs, but they are impractical for street use.
Like many police officers and correctional officers, I started my career using those smaller handcuff keys on duty.
However, I quickly realized there are many situations where these smaller keys become very problematic in locking or unlocking handcuffs. This is particularly true when dealing with a resistive or combative suspect.
The longer ZAK Tool ZT-14 handcuff key makes accessing the keyhole much easier.
Just getting the handcuffs on can be difficult in those situations, but ensuring the handcuffs are not too tight and are then double locked to prevent any further tightening becomes a quick consideration once they are in fact on the suspect’s wrists. Successful lawsuits for improperly fitted handcuffs have placed law enforcement and corrections on notice.
ZT-14 Features
- Aluminum design (multiple color options)
- Textured grip
- Universal key (for most handcuffs)
- Double-locking stud
- Pocket clip carry (keyring and swivel models available)
- Standard 3.5 inch length; Optional 5.0 inch length
- Unlimited Lifetime Guarantee
- MSRP: $7.95
Using the locking stub at the top of the ZAK ZT-14 is also very easy.
However, I have also found dealing with large suspects problematic with the traditional short handcuff keys. When there is a whole lot of bad guy, trying to squeeze in to double lock or unlock handcuffs can be very challenging. You might think a smaller handcuff key would be better in those situations, but I have found a longer key to be much easier and quicker in manipulating the handcuff’s locks.
Next, I wanted to ensure my handcuff key was made of metal. There are several polymer handcuff keys on the market, and some officers love them. The ZAK Tool ZT9P has a polymer handle, and the ZT-14P is the polymer counterpart to the aluminum version we bought for use. I have always preferred metal. A metal key will last, and I don’t have to worry about it breaking, cracking, getting pieces shaved off, or any other failures.
The zig-zag textured grip extends all the way around the ZAK handcuff key providing excellent control.
My next desired feature was to have a textured handle so I could maintain a positive grip no matter what the conditions. I have handcuffed people in the rain, with blood all over them (and me), with dripping sweat from the heat or a foot chase, and even muddy creek or lake water. Simple metal or polymer designs with texture become very difficult to control under extreme circumstances like these. My handcuff key has to have texture.
Another feature I prefer is to have a pocket clip. I prefer to carry my handcuff key in one of my uniform shirt pockets. I have tried carrying my handcuff key on my key chain, on a separate ring on my duty belt, or even just in my pants pocket. All of those carry methods are viable, but I have found carrying my handcuff key in my shirt pocket to be the best method for quick accessibility and assured storage. My Blauer Street Gear uniform shirts even come with a small, tubular secondary pocket inside the shirt pockets. This is a perfect storage location for my ZAK Tool ZT-14 handcuff key and a back-up pen.
The ZAK Tool handcuff key is easy to access from my Blauer Street Gear uniform pocket.
Finally, I needed my handcuff key to be reasonably priced. This may sound petty, but it is a handcuff key not a complex tool like a handgun, flashlight, or GPS unit. ZAK Tool offers most of their handcuff keys for under $10.00 making them a completely affordable gear selection for any officer.
An optional pocket carry is to use the pen slot, but I prefer to have everything tucked under the flap.
For an item most officers use on a weekly basis, it is critically important to get the right tool. The BlueSheepdog Crew are big advocates of quality for critical items. This includes firearms, flashlights, boots/shoes, ballistic armor, and yes, handcuffs and their proper keys. The ZAK Tool ZT-14 handcuff key offers so much more than smaller keys it is a tool any officer should seriously consider.
Final Thoughts
The long shaft of the ZAK Tool ZT-14 handcuff key tapers into the traditional slender key shape.
The ZAK Tool ZT-14 met all of my feature needs, and has proven to be an excellent duty tool. I like this handcuff key so much I have (2) now – one for patrol duties, and another attached to the Molle on my SWAT plate carrier. We would highly recommend ZAK Tool handcuff keys for law enforcement and corrections personnel.
Though ZAK Tool, and other manufacturers, do make shorter handcuff key options, we prefer the longer keys for the reasons mentioned above. Regardless of your selection, the unlimited lifetime guarantee provided by ZAK Tool is just one more reason to select one of their handcuff keys. Quality manufacturing, great features, and very affordable.
Where to Buy the ZAK ZT-14
ZAK Tool handcuff keys are available through a number of retailers. LA Police Gear offers a good price on them here (less than $7 each at the time of this writing). Amazon also sells them in two packs that, when shipping is considered, might be the best price.
Disclosure
BlueSheepdog.com is a for-profit website. I do not charge readers a dime to access the information I provide.
Some of the links on this page and site are affiliate links to companies like Amazon and Palmetto State Armory. These links take you to the products mentioned in the article. Should you decide to purchase something from one of those companies, I make a small commission.
The links do not change your purchase price. I do not get to see what any individual purchases.