The Gun Counter

Certainly cannot be resurrected as Houdini without this...

There's a lot of sharp edges in the trunk of cars that could be used to abraid/cut plastic restraints. Something to remember.
I'm thinking a whole lot of people could break plastic restraints, if their pain tolerance is high enough.

Something else for the smokers, and the "boy scout" guys/girls: it doesn't take a lot to melt plastic ties. A Bic lighter could do rather quickly, if you can stand the pain of the burn.

I discovered this trick while opening my laundry bag back in my Naval Academy days. If you have an attached zip tie, and can slip something decently strong under it (like a strong pen, or a laundry pin), turn it like a crank or windlass. It will put additional pressure onto whatever it's around (your hands, or a laundry bag) until it crosses over itself. After a few turns, the zip tie fails. Understand?

That might work well if you are in a weakened state, or have hand/arm problems.

How about a handcuff knot with a good rope? To me it doesn't look like something that should be able to break or stretch out. Rope usually have a little stretch in them, but wont stretch out. Of course the rope can be cut off using something sharp, but is it possible to escape from it using just your hands?

Erik wrote:How about a handcuff knot with a good rope? To me it doesn't look like something that should be able to break or stretch out. Rope usually have a little stretch in them, but wont stretch out. Of course the rope can be cut off using something sharp, but is it possible to escape from it using just your hands?

The problem (or the advantage, depending on whether you're tying or tied) with rope is that most people don't know the right knots to use, or how to use them correctly. A handcuff knot is not much use as a restraint, but a constrictor (gunners') knot might do, if the hands are tied behind the back with wrists crossed, as Chris describes above.

Denis wrote: A handcuff knot is not much use as a restraint, but a constrictor (gunners') knot might do, if the hands are tied behind the back with wrists crossed, as Chris describes above.

Ok, this might be an obvious question, but I really dont know the answer and I'd rather find out here than the hard way if I ever have to try it for real. What's the problem with the handcuff knot? I've heard of it used as a quick restraint, and to me it looks secure, as long as you add the extra lock knot on top of it. The only problem I can see is that someone with knowledge of knots might be able to open it by feel? But I'm no knot expert, which is why I'm asking.

Regarding the handcuff knot:
To my mind, there are two types of people. The first will use improvised devices like duct tape or zip-ties. If he uses rope at all, it will be badly done. The second will use actual restraints, like handcuffs, or will use rope and know what he's doing. So, that's why I think worrying about the rope angle isn't worth worrying about.