# Let's have a hangin **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 14, 2000, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-have-a-hangin/25595 "2000-07-14T20:13:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Gunslinger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/4491bb/32.png) [@Gunslinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gunslinger)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2000, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-have-a-hangin/25595/21 "2000-07-15T15:36:43Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Myrr21 \* > \*\*[snip] And you have to remember that nobody really remembers how to do it right anymore. So the cost and time to research and prepare his execution was tremendous. His way of saying “f-you”, I guess. \*\* Actually, it’s simple. There was an article in _Popular Mechanics_ on methods of execution a year or 2 ago. Said something like: It takes 1250 pounds of force to break the neck. The equation for length of drop is based on that number and the executee’s weight, but I don’t remember it. I’ll see if I still have it. ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2000, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-have-a-hangin/25595/22 "2000-07-15T17:16:21Z")
For you Do-It-Your-Selfer’s out there, this is an excerpt from the State of Delware’s hanging procedures manual. Formulas are included. PREPARATION The following procedure should be used to make ready for the gallows prior to the execution. This should be done several days prior to the execution by a Certified Hanging Technician. Determine the Rope Length for the particular executee. Employ the following formula for this determination and in the event of a multiple execution test with the requirements for the lighter executee and the longer drop. After the first execution, the Rope Length should be shortened for the next execution. Since the test was for the lighter executee, the trap door may be considered to function with the greater weight of the second executee. Rope Length = (S - C) + Drop Distance Where: S = Scaffold Crossbeam Height from Scaffold Floor C = Executee’s Chin Height Drop Distance = the distance the executee is dropped Rope Length = distance of the executee’s drop + the distance of his chin from the scaffold crossbeam Note: All measurements are in inches. 1. Measure the executee’s chin height from the floor and weigh him. 2. Measure the scaffold crossbeam height from the floor of the scaffold. 3. Subtract the Chin Height from the Scaffold Crossbeam Height and add the Drop Distance from the Drop Distance Table to obtain the Rope Length. 4. Mark the rope at the rope length and cut it seven (7) feet longer. If fastener for rope is not at crossbeam but at another location, add this distance to the crossbeam height plus any additional amount needed for fastening. 5. Boil the rope for one (1) hour and stretch the rope while drying to eliminate all spring, stiffness or tendency to coil. Dry thoroughly. 6. Either tie Conventional Hangman’s Knot as per included instructions or utilize a Mechanical Hangman’s Knot and fasten with U-clamp. Lubricate Hangman’s Knot with proper lubricant. 7. Install the Rope with the Hangman’s Noose to the scaffold crossbeam and cut off remaining rope. The rope should be stretched tight prior to cutting and only the Rope Length should hang below the scaffold crossbeam. 8. Oil, check and verify that all mechanical parts of the Gallows (i.e. the hinges on the trap door and the release mechanism) are functioning properly. 9. Fill two (2) sandbags with the equivalent weight of the executee (half in each bag) and fasten the bags together at the tops. Open the Noose and slip it over one of the bags and tighten it at the point where the bags are fastened together. You are now ready to test the gallows. 10. Close the trap door and reset the trip mechanism. Stand on the door to make sure it is secure. Place the sandbags on the door and loop the rope in such a fashion as to prevent any crimping or catching. Test the gallows repeatedly (at least twelve [12] times) to insure proper mechanical operation of the trap door and that the rope is secure and will not break. 11. You are now prepared for the execution. EXECUTION PROCEDURE Note: The following procedure should be completed by a Certified Hanging Technician. 1. Install the Noose Sleeve and, if using a Mechanical Hangman’s Knot, install the cover for the Knot. 2. Install the Body Restraint around the Executee’s waist and tightly bind his wrists to the restraint. (His arms may be restrained either in the front or the back.) If necessary, utilize the Collapse Frame. 3. Bring the Executee to the Execution location and up the stairs to the scaffold. Remove the Collapse Frame, if utilized. 4. Place Executee on the trap door and conduct the legal formalities. 5. Bind the Executee’s legs with the Leg Restraint. Place the Hood over the Executee’s head, if used. Place the Hangman’s Noose over the Executee’s head and tighten snugly around his neck. Place the Hangman’s Knot directly behind the Executee’s left ear. 6. All Hanging Technicians shall leave the scaffold and the Executioner, on order from the Warden, shall release the trap door. 7. The Trap door shall open and the Executee shall drop. On order from the Warden some eight minutes after the release mechanism was thrown, the attending doctor shall examine the Executee for heart death. 8. After the pronouncement of death, the Hanging Technicians shall, while supporting the Executee, loosen and remove the Noose and Hood and set the Executee on the floor. Thereupon, the Hanging Technicians shall remove the Leg and Body Restraints. The Executee shall be placed in a body bag for removal. ---
**Author:** ![Gunslinger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/4491bb/32.png) [@Gunslinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gunslinger)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2000, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-have-a-hangin/25595/23 "2000-07-16T02:59:36Z")
what exactly is the “mechanical hangman’s knot”? I’m only familiar with the conventional. ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2000, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-have-a-hangin/25595/24 "2000-07-16T03:34:38Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by bovary \* > \*\*This question popped up during a Billy Budd discusion. > > When one is hung, hanged, whatever, does the persons neck snap when the rope tightens or does it depend on were the rope is positioned. > > \*\* If done correctly hanging is actually a fairly humane way to put someone down. The rope needs to be positioned correctly and the body needs to be dropped from a certain height to ensure that the neck breaks cleanly. Marc [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-have-a-hangin/25595.md?page=1)