Handcuffs are no problem to a skilled escape artist
The art of escaping--or "escapology"--is a skill practiced for centuries by entertainers and criminals alike. Because of the mysterious nature of their craft, escape artists are often considered akin to magicians, and indeed, many of the techniques practiced by magicians, such as misdirection, hidden tools, and fake props, are employed by these Houdinis as well. Here are some of the tricks most commonly employed by escapologists.
Hidden Key
According to the PBS film and website "Houdini," one of the most common tricks used by the escape artist is the hidden key or lock pick. The skillful escapologist will allow himself to be searched, usually by an audience member, prior to being chained, but will have secreted his tool in an unusual place, such as in the throat or under a nail, or hidden somewhere near the locking device itself. To pull this trick off successfully, the escape artist must be partially occluded from the audience's view. This trick therefore lends itself to escapes such as those performed underwater or in a confined space.
The Milk Can Trick
According to PBS, one of Harry Houdini's favorite tricks was the milk can trick, in which Houdini was handcuffed and placed in a metal milk can filled with water. After Houdini was placed in the can, the can was securely locked and hidden in a cabinet--all of which the audience had inspected beforehand. Two minutes later, Houdini would emerge from the cabinet, out of breath and dripping with water.
His trick, never discovered during his lifetime, was that the can could be split in two width-wise. This was never detected by audience members, as the can was fitted with fake rivets and kept slightly greased on the outside--making it difficult for someone outside the can to pull it apart, but relatively easy for someone inside.
Knowledge of Locks
Many escape artists rely not on lock-picking tools, but on their own superior knowledge of locking mechanisms. Often locks can be undone in ways other than with a key or other instrument, such as by being bent or struck in a particular manner. Houdini used to state the most locks could be opened with a simple shoestring. Still others he could pick with his teeth.
Strength and Flexibility
According to "The Secrets of Houdini" by John Clucas Cannell, some escapes use no tricks at all beyond uncommon strength and flexibility. When trying to get out of a straitjacket, the escape artist must be flexible enough to maneuver his head under his arms in front of his body, and then be strong enough to use his elbows to force the jacket off his head. Similar tricks can be used in escaping from knotted ropes. Strength and flexibility tricks can be performed in plain sight of the audience, making the feat appear all the more mysterious.
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