About the right size of rope for hanging

[candyquick]

so i've read on lostallhope.com that the suggested rope size is 13 foot length of ¾" (19mm) but it's based on the use of hangings in countries where it's used for punishment which makes me worry the fact that this size is used for punishment it could be actually too much and end up hurting very painfully. Is my assumption wrong that it might be too much or am i right and i should use a smaller size. Link of article http://lostallhope.com/suicide-methods/hanging/drop-hanging

 

[TAW122]

I don't think you should use a rope too thin as it might break, you want a sturdy ligature for holding your weight while also being somewhat comfortable. So the rope used to execution might be sufficient. You would also make sure you have something around your neck to make sure that the rope doesn't rub against your neck too much (friction) causing discomfort. Another important thing to consider is the structure should be strong enough to support your weight as well because you don't want it to break while you are still hanging, resulting in failure and pain.

I think others might be able to give additional advice on hanging as they know more than I do when it comes to hanging.

 

[Worndown]

The thinner the rope, the more it will dig into the neck.
I had 5/8 inch and now have 3/4 inch. In this case larger is better. The 3/4 is bulky, but applies pressure without the discomfort.

 

[alizee]

I have a climbing rope (no flex) that's from an order on amazon and cost was like 25usd. It's 30ft long and the diameter is 12mm with a pull strength of up to 4500LB. Decapitation would be the result if I use the full length and instead of making a knot at 15 feet if however I decide. The thing to remember is that the pain will be over after a few minutes in the worse situation possible.

 

[TiredHorse]

There are two considerations: comfort and strength.

Comfort is entirely up to you. @Worndown has made the choice I would advise when it comes to comfort: larger is generally better, up to about 3/4". But it's subjective: my father, on his sailboat, uses 1/4" rope for one particular piece of rigging and has no complaints. On my boat, I use 7/16" rope for the same piece of rigging, not because I need the extra strength, but because 1/4" feels like it's trying to garotte my fingers.

Strength is less flexible: you need a minimum strength equal to 2x your weight, and more is always better. You can get that easily in a modern, high-tech line like dyneema, in a ridiculously small diameter, but it'll be very uncomfortable. Some hardware store line that you'd think ought to be strong enough is pathetically weak, even in larger sizes --avoid polypropyline, which is typically ridiculously weak.

@alizee has chosen pretty much exactly what I would recommend, as a sailor and a climber: a 12mm climbing rope has reliable strength (both materials and construction), a smooth surface for comfort, excellent knot characteristics, and a good balance of strength and comfort in its diameter.

 

[LaBrava]

There are two considerations: comfort and strength.

Comfort is entirely up to you. @Worndown has made the choice I would advise when it comes to comfort: larger is generally better, up to about 3/4". But it's subjective: my father, on his sailboat, uses 1/4" rope for one particular piece of rigging and has no complaints. On my boat, I use 7/16" rope for the same piece of rigging, not because I need the extra strength, but because 1/4" feels like it's trying to garotte my fingers.

Strength is less flexible: you need a minimum strength equal to 2x your weight, and more is always better. You can get that easily in a modern, high-tech line like dyneema, in a ridiculously small diameter, but it'll be very uncomfortable. Some hardware store line that you'd think ought to be strong enough is pathetically weak, even in larger sizes --avoid polypropyline, which is typically ridiculously weak.

@alizee has chosen pretty much exactly what I would recommend, as a sailor and a climber: a 12mm climbing rope has reliable strength (both materials and construction), a smooth surface for comfort, excellent knot characteristics, and a good balance of strength and comfort in its diameter.

Thanks for this, it's very useful.