Let's have a hangin

[Gunslinger]

*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.

[Shagnasty]

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.

[Gunslinger]

what exactly is the “mechanical hangman’s knot”? I’m only familiar with the conventional.

[Odesio]

*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