Introduction: Textercuffs - to Stop Habitual Texters.
This is my first Instructable. Mostly to learn how to create and publish an instructable, but, in this case, to also have some fun.
You need some novelty handcuffs, a rubber or tennis ball. Any type of ball that can be drilled should work. It also needs to be big enough to be cuffed.
Step 1: Drill a Hole.
Since the thumb is too small to be cuffed by a typical pair of handcuffs, you need to add some size to it. I found a rubber toy ball works, but I also think a tennis ball would work. Whatever type of ball you use, it need to be something you can drill in to.
Drill a hole to hold the thumb. In my case, it required a 3/4 inch hole. But, if you are making these for someone else, then you need to use the size drill to fit their thumb.
Be careful not to drill all the way through the ball. If the tip of the thumb can be stuck out the other side, it can be used for texting.
Step 2: Test Fit.
Test the fit. It should be snug, but not too tight. You don't want to cut off the blood circulation to the thumb. This is the main reason Thumb Cuffs are not used anymore. And yes, there are really thumb cuffs that use to be used by law enforcement.
Step 3: Place Handcuffs and Ball on Hand an Cuff
Place one side of the hand cuffs on the wrist and adjust. Place it so the lock mechanism/chain are on top of the wrist. Put the other side of the handcuffs around the ball. Adjust the cuff so it is snug around the ball.
Step 4: The Hand Is Still Usable.
This may look awkward on the hand, but the hand remains useful.
17 Comments
10 years ago on Introduction
Was this just a project or were you a habitual texter. If you were, did this help a lot or did you go back to habitual texting after you stopped using the "textercuffs?"
10 years ago on Introduction
Funny :)) - also it will make you feel comfortable with the handcuffs :))
10 years ago on Introduction
Nice one! But as a cinematographer toy handcuff drive me apoplectic. You can get decent handcuffs for about $30 in Canada. They will slap on your wrist nicely just like in the movies. I use mine all the time as a bike lock that doubles as a punky bracelet. Hours of fun.
10 years ago on Introduction
wow thats kinda cool im new here so awsome
11 years ago on Introduction
doesnt everyone need one haha well done
11 years ago on Introduction
And not to mention well done on your first instructable.
(well Done)Sorry just trying out the pro fetures
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Yes, that is a Labrador. That is my dog Beauty who I adopted about 7 years ago when I fostered her for a local rescue. I've since gotten heavily involved in dog rescue and volunteer with Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue (www.lfdrg.org)
Thanks for the compliment.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
pleasure
11 years ago on Introduction
these are more effective
https://www.instructables.com/id/finger-trap/
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
The problem with the fingertrap is it prevents you from doing a lot of other things too. With the Textercuffs, you can still do just about everything you could without them...except text.
11 years ago on Introduction
This innovation will help hitch-hikers everywhere.
11 years ago on Introduction
it's great
I would use thumcuffs instead, but I'll will be hurting them xD
11 years ago on Introduction
ahhhahaahhaha, nice!!!
11 years ago on Introduction
Genial.
11 years ago on Introduction
Hilarious!
11 years ago on Introduction
Haha! This is great. Though the worst texters might need one for each hand. :)
11 years ago on Introduction
This is great! Some of my sister-in-laws could use this, lol!