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EquipmentRestraint Tool

Handcuff Keys

Handcuff Keys are a rare police loot item in DayZ used specifically to unlock Handcuffs. They are the fastest and cleanest way to free a restrained player without breaking the Handcuffs.

Quick item summary

TypeEquipment / Restraint Tool
Main useUnlock Handcuffs
Unlock timeAbout 3 seconds
Repair withIrreparable
Inventory size1 slot

Quick answer

Handcuff Keys are a small utility item used to unlock Handcuffs. They do not have much purpose outside of freeing restrained players, but they are useful if you want to recover the Handcuffs instead of breaking them.

In-game description

“Small metal keys for opening handcuffs. Losing them makes opening handcuffs a hassle.”

Main Uses

  • Unlock Handcuffs
  • Free a restrained player
  • Recover Handcuffs without breaking them
  • Handle hostage or restraint situations more safely

How to use this item

Unlock Handcuffs

Handcuff Keys are the fastest tool for unlocking Handcuffs without breaking them.

  1. Hold the Handcuff Keys.
  2. Look at the restrained player.
  3. Use the unlock action when it appears.
  4. Wait for the unlock action to finish.
  5. Recover the Handcuffs if you want to reuse them.

Use instead of breaking Handcuffs

Other tools can open Handcuffs, but Handcuff Keys are faster and preserve the Handcuffs.

  1. Use Handcuff Keys if you want to keep the Handcuffs.
  2. Use tools like a Lock Pick, Hacksaw, Hand Saw, or Pliers only if you do not have keys.
  3. Watch the restrained player, because they can struggle free if left alone.

How to get Handcuff Keys

  • Search police loot areas.
  • Check police stations, police cars, prisons, and law-enforcement-themed loot spots.
  • Look around players who may be carrying Handcuffs or restraint gear.
  • Take them from abandoned bases, stashes, or other survivors when safe.

Spawn info

PoliceRare
  • • Handcuff Keys spawn in police-type loot areas.
  • • They are listed as rare on the wiki.
  • • They are mainly useful when paired with Handcuffs.

Important notes

  • Handcuff Keys are used specifically to unlock Handcuffs.
  • They unlock Handcuffs faster than other tools.
  • Using Handcuff Keys lets you recover the Handcuffs instead of breaking them.
  • Other tools such as Lock Picks, Hacksaws, Hand Saws, and Pliers can also open Handcuffs, but they take longer.
  • They take only 1 inventory slot and weigh 4 g.
  • They are irreparable.
  • They are listed as rare and spawn in police locations.