Abstract: The subject handcuffs can expand from a retracted position to an expanded position to allow individuals to be safety and effectively apprehended and restrained, including large waisted individuals. The handcuffs (100) include a first cuff (102) and a second cuff (104) interconnected by an expandable connecting assembly (106). The expansion mechanism (112) includes a spool (120) and a release (122). The spool (120) rotates to pay out or retract a cable (108). In operation, the handcuffs (100) can be secured to one wrist of the individual. The release (122) can then be operated to expand the handcuffs (100) so that the handcuffs (100) can be secured to the other wrist of the individual.