Might use links to criminal, having them on hand (5)

I believe the answer is:

cuffs

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'hand' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cuffs that I've seen before include "Rings round to restrain" , "Strikes with an open hand" , "Sleeve-ends" , "bracelets" , "Sleeve ends" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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