Method Why does a noose sometimes come loose or break?

[weni]

In some hanging reports, people say the rope came loose or snapped, causing it to fail. A rope is usually made to hold a person's weight, isn't it? Does being thinner make it more likely to break? Can a noose knot also come undone?
I'm asking bc i'm worried i might make that kind of mistake.

 

[purplesky9]

Yes you need a rope at less 12mm thick.

 

[DeadSouls]

What I was using (a belt) came free from the top of the door under my entire weight being on it. My body was already reacting to the asphyxiation and I had no control over my limbs.

When the belt came loose, I fell flat to the floor, couldn't move my arms and laid flat and unable to move for a minute or two. Alive. :(

 

[Pale_Rider]

People use a lot of improvised materials, and anchor points also when hanging themselves. Many are spontaneous, and not well planned out like we see on this site.

I myself always recommend against hanging. I have considered, and even attempted more gruesome ending methods, but would never consider hanging. Probably because a fail could have me losing a bunch of IQ points. Can't allow that. Directive 4 dictates that the body should not be harmed, but not harming our brain is the holy grail, and goes without saying.

 

[TheVanishingPoint]

It's strange. A new rope can support a weight far greater than that of a human body. If it's been subjected to abrasion, UV rays, and extreme loads (perhaps because you've used it for other activities), that's another matter. From 2025, when you buy a rope, retailers in the EU will require traceability (phone/email) and will notify you if the batch has any problems. Buying new is always the best option. Some examples:

Polyamide (Nylon)
10 mm = 2000↔2500 kg
12 mm = 3000↔3500 kg
14 mm = 4000↔4500 kg

Polyester
10 mm = 1800↔2200 kg
12 mm = 2700↔3200 kg
14 mm = 3600↔4200 kg

HMPE / Dyneema / Spectra
8 mm = 4000↔4500 kg
10 mm = 6000↔7000 kg
12 mm = 8500↔9500 kg

Aramid (Kevlar, Technora)
8 mm = 2800↔3200 kg
10 mm = 4000↔4500 kg
12 mm = 5500↔6000 kg

Galvanized steel cable (7×19)
6 mm = 2300↔2500 kg
8 mm = 4000↔4500 kg
10 mm = 6200↔6800 kg

 

[cookiencream]

It's strange. A new rope can support a weight far greater than that of a human body. If it's been subjected to abrasion, UV rays, and extreme loads (perhaps because you've used it for other activities), that's another matter. From 2025, when you buy a rope, retailers in the EU will require traceability (phone/email) and will notify you if the batch has any problems. Buying new is always the best option. Some examples:

Polyamide (Nylon)
10 mm = 2000↔2500 kg
12 mm = 3000↔3500 kg
14 mm = 4000↔4500 kg

Polyester
10 mm = 1800↔2200 kg
12 mm = 2700↔3200 kg
14 mm = 3600↔4200 kg

HMPE / Dyneema / Spectra
8 mm = 4000↔4500 kg
10 mm = 6000↔7000 kg
12 mm = 8500↔9500 kg

Aramid (Kevlar, Technora)
8 mm = 2800↔3200 kg
10 mm = 4000↔4500 kg
12 mm = 5500↔6000 kg

Galvanized steel cable (7×19)
6 mm = 2300↔2500 kg
8 mm = 4000↔4500 kg
10 mm = 6200↔6800 kg

What about polypropylene

 

[Forveleth]

Many people use an improvised rope that is not meant to hold much weight, and many people do not know how to tie specific knots meant to anchor, so they just tie whatever knot that doesn't actually hold them. Then people also use as an anchor anything they have at hand that will not necessarily hold their weight.

Even if you look around on this forum, there are many, many example threads of people asking about their hanging setup and getting advice about what would work and what would not. It is surprising how difficult it is to actually get a good hanging setup.

 

[TheVanishingPoint]

What about polypropylene

Braid, twisted or multifilament?

 

[cookiencream]

Braided or twisted

 

[TheVanishingPoint]

Then people also use as an anchor anything they have at hand that will not necessarily hold their weight.

This small crane has a rated capacity of two tons and can reach a height of 2.4 meters. It's a perfect anchor point, eliminating the need to search for awkward anchor points around plants or ladders. It's quick to assemble. To avoid raising suspicions at home, if you have space, it could be used to support a punching bag in the meantime.

Braided or twisted

 

[JesiBel]

Before purchasing a rope, it is good to know its breaking load.

Polyester and polypropylene are resistant materials. Between 10 and 14 mm is a good thickness.

And if you already own one and don't know that information, you should test it to see if it can support your full weight. You should also test the anchor point, making sure it is firm and strong.

To prevent the noose knot from coming untied, it is a good idea to add a stopper knot to the free end.