Handcuff Holster: Types of Handcuff Cases and How They Fit

Quick answer: A handcuff holster, also sold as a handcuff case or pouch, carries handcuffs on a duty or gun belt. The main styles are covered (closed-top) cases, open-top cases, and polymer holsters with a retention lock. Makers list which cuffs each one fits (chain, hinged or rigid), and some make slim cases for plainclothes carry.

Types of Handcuff Holster

• Covered (closed-top) cases: a flap or snap closes over the cuffs. Handcuff Warehouse lists models such as the “Bianchi AccuMold Model 7300 Covered Handcuff Case.”
• Open-top cases: the cuffs sit in an open pouch, such as Galls’ listing for the “Safariland Formed Open Top Cuff Case.”
• Polymer retention holsters: Orpaz says its handcuff holster is “Equipped with Level II retention,” with “No flaps, covers, or straps. Simply press and slide to release the handcuffs.”
• Straps: a simple strap that holds the cuffs, such as the “Gould & Goodrich Leather Handcuff Strap” listed by Galls.

Matching the Case to Your Cuffs

Cases are cut for particular cuffs. Handcuff Warehouse says its “selection includes handcuff cases for chain, hinged, rigid and even oversized handcuffs,” and suggests contacting it “If you are not sure whether a specific handcuff case will work for your handcuffs.”

Fit notes on maker pages show why it matters. Aker lists one combo pouch with the line “NOTE: Not compatible with ASP ULTRA Cuffs.” High Speed Gear takes the other approach: its TACO pouch design allows “multiple handcuffs from different manufacturers to be utilized.”

Single, Double and Combo Cases

• Single: one pair of cuffs, such as the “Tru-Spec Ballistic Nylon Single Handcuff Case.”
• Double: two pairs, such as the “ASP Double Exo Handcuff Case for Ultra and Sentry Handcuffs.”
• Combo: cuffs plus other gear. Aker’s D.M.S. Combo “Fits 1 standard chain handcuffs and 1 spare magazine.”

Concealment Handcuff Cases

Plainclothes carry needs a smaller case. Aker: “Keeping handcuffs concealed yet easily accessible is a necessity for detective and plainclothes officers.” It says its concealment cases are “easy to carry on belts up to 1-3/4″ width.”

How Handcuff Holsters Mount

Most mount to the belt, and many also fit MOLLE. Orpaz says its holster allows “effortless switching between belt loops, paddles, and MOLLE attachments.” High Speed Gear offers a “MOLLE or Belt Mount.” Where the case sits on the belt is up to you and your agency; our duty belt setup guide covers belt layout, and our duty holster guide covers the holster.

The Duty Belt Underneath

We don’t make or sell handcuffs or handcuff cases. We carry Kore duty belts. Kore lists its D1 duty belt at “2.25” / 7mm” and its P1 patrol belt at “2” / 7 mm,” both with a load rating of “Up to 30 lbs. / Full-Size Firearm, Stun Gun, Magazine Pouches, Radio, Flashlight, Handcuffs.” The D1 kit includes an “Inner Velcro Belt [1.5″],” and Kore notes its duty belts “must be used in conjunction with our unique Kore Inner Liner Belts to achieve the micro adjustable feature.” Check that your cuff case’s belt loop fits your belt width.

See also our guide to the leather duty belt.

Handcuff Holster: Questions People Ask

Open-top or covered handcuff case?
Both are sold. Covered cases close a flap over the cuffs; open-top cases leave them exposed; polymer holsters such as Orpaz’s use a retention lock instead of a flap.

Will my case fit hinged cuffs?
Only if the maker lists them. Cases are made for chain, hinged, rigid or oversized cuffs, and some models list cuffs they don’t fit.

Can I carry handcuffs concealed?
Makers such as Aker sell concealment cuff cases for plainclothes carry on belts up to 1-3/4″ wide.

Does Cloudster Pillow sell handcuff cases?
No. We carry Kore duty belts and make the Cloudster Pillow and Cloudster magnetic mag carriers.

Written by the Cloudster Pillow team. We make the Cloudster Pillow and the Cloudster magnetic mag carriers, and carry Kore belts. We don’t sell handcuffs, holsters or firearms, and no maker paid to be mentioned here. This is general product information, not law-enforcement procedure or legal advice; follow your agency’s policy and the law where you work.