Tower Double Lock Handcuffs

The Legacy of Tower Locks: Innovators of the Double Lock

The Tower Lock Company occupies a unique place in the history of restraint technology. Founded in the late 19th century in the United States, Tower specialized in manufacturing high-quality security products, but it was their revolutionary Tower Double Lock Handcuffs that earned them a permanent spot in law enforcement history.

Before Tower’s innovation, most handcuffs relied on simple ratchet mechanisms that could inadvertently tighten on a prisoner’s wrists during transport. This not only caused discomfort and injury but also posed a liability for officers. Tower solved this with a double-locking system—a mechanism that allowed officers to secure the ratchet after initial adjustment, preventing further tightening or loosening. This concept drastically improved both safety and control, marking a major leap forward in restraint technology.

Why They Were So Popular

1. Safety and Comfort: The double-lock eliminated the risk of accidental over-tightening, reducing injuries and complaints.

2. Officer Confidence: Law enforcement officers valued the reliability of Tower cuffs, as the locking system provided extra security against tampering and accidental release.

3. Build Quality: Tower Locks prided themselves on precision engineering and robust construction. Made from high-grade steel, their cuffs were durable and resistant to the rough handling common in field use.

4. Ease of Use: Despite their enhanced security, Tower handcuffs were intuitive, requiring minimal training for officers to operate efficiently.

5. Legal and Institutional Adoption: Many police departments and corrections facilities across the U.S. standardized Tower cuffs because of their balance of security and humane restraint.

The Tower Double Lock became the benchmark for modern handcuff design. Many contemporary cuffs—such as those made by Smith & Wesson and Peerless—owe their core locking principles to Tower’s pioneering work.

By the early 20th century, Tower Locks had cemented its reputation as the leader in restraint technology. While the company eventually faded from prominence as newer competitors emerged, its influence endures: every modern double-lock handcuff is, in essence, a tribute to the ingenuity of Tower Locks.