How To Build a Gallows

Gallows are tools made out of wood to resemble a frame, typically used for hangings and executions. There are several types of gallows, from a simple inverted 'L' shape, to the more complex full-frame-and-stand-with-trapdoor designs.

Gallows making is actually a craftsman art, and ever since gallows became unpopularised, the number of people who know how to make quality gallows has been waning.

Collecting gallows is also a form of art collecting, primarily based more in Europe. A quality-made Hanging Frame Gallow can easily fetch $3,500 - $12,000. Antiques can more than easily sell for substantially greater sums.

Inverted 'L' Gallows

An Inverted 'L' is the simplest form of gallows aside from a rope attached to a tree. The Inverted 'L' isn't usually tall enough to guarantee proper neck snappage, so strangulation usually is the method of death. Inverted 'L' gallows typically were made for small town executions, and were easily transportable. For that reason, they were usually just a simple upside down 'L' shape. Because they were made so commonly and quality wasn't usually that much of a concern as long as it didn't break under the convict's weight, the Inverted 'L' gallows generally are worth far less to collectors than the Hanging Frame.

1. Use a stout piece of lumber, at least 3m long, preferably between 4m and 5m. Make sure that it is at least 20cm (8") wide, and is fashioned as a square or rectangle.
2. Attach another piece of lumber of a similar type but 1-2m long to the top of the first piece of lumber to make an 'L' shape.
3. (Optional) - Attach 4 pieces of lumber to the end of the long piece of lumber opposite to the 1-2m long pice. The 4 pieces can be as long as you want, and attached in the form of a cross, with one on each side of the square diameter of the pole. This is for stability, and can be used as a stand when braces are attached, or as an anchor when buried deep enough.
4. Add a brace to the 'tail' of the 'L' (the 1-2 m long part) at about 45º to connect to the main pole. This helps brace it and prevent it from breaking.
5. Notch a grove onto 'tail' of the 'L' part, about half a metre from the end. This is where you will loop the noose.
6. Dig a hole deep enough and stand up your gallows. The optional 'cross-bar anchor' while help greatly in providing support for it.
   • Operation - Your victim stands on a stool/chair, and the noose is looped around the neck. When the time is ready, the stool is kicked away.

Hanging Frame (full-frame-and-stand-with-trapdoor design)

This design is much easier to use, much more efficient to use, and gives the person being hanged somewhat more dignity than the Inverted 'L' design. The complete Hanging Frame design is what collectors are looking for.

1. Make the floor out of planks. Ths floor should be around 3m by 2m for a one person gallows.
2. Make the floor elevated 2-3m by making legs and braces for it, so it resembles a stand or a large table. Add a staircase for convenience, or you can keep it as is and use a ladder every time.

The Hanging Frame

1. Take two 3m long posts/poles that are fashioned into square diameters (simliar to that as described in the inverted 'L' design) and attach a third pole 2m long across the top of them both. You can add two braces from the centrer of the third post attaching to the other two posts at a 45º angle.
2. Cut a notch into the top of the third post for your noose.

Putting them Together

1. Attach the posts to the top of the stand. If you use longer 5m posts, you can run the posts through the floor of the stand to the ground. Make sure that they are still attached though.
2. On the floor of the stand, directly underneath the cut notch, cut out a 1m by 1m square. This will be your trapdoor.

Adding the Trapdoor

1. Attach hinges to the trapdoor, and attach a ratchet and lever to it and the floor of the stand so it can be lever released.

1. • Operation - The victim stands on the trapdoor of the stand, and the correct length of rope is run around the notch, tied into a noose, and looped over the persons neck. When the time is right, the lever is pulled, releasing the ratchet, and the persons weight causes the trapdoor to fall.

Tips

•  
• You can also make a Double Trapdoor design for the Hanging Frame Gallows.
•  
• When trying to ensure neck snappage in hanging, refer to the drop height chart for hangings.
• Hanging Drop Heights...
• • Culprits Weight Drop
  • 14 stone (196 lbs) 8ft 0in
  • 13.5 stone (189 lbs) 8ft 2in
  • 13 stone (182 lbs) 8ft 4in
  • 12.5 stone (175 lbs) 8ft 6in
  • 12 stone (168 lbs) 8ft 8in
  • 11.5 stone (161 lbs) 8ft 10in
  • 11 stone (154 lbs) 9ft 0in
  • 10.5 stone (147 lbs) 9ft 2in
  • 10 stone (140 lbs) 9ft 4in
  • 9.5 stone (133 lbs) 9ft 6in
  • 9 stone (126 lbs) 9ft 8in
  • 8.5 stone (119 lbs) 9ft 10in
  • 8 stone (112 lbs) 10ft 0in
• Source: Charles Duff, Handbook of Hanging (Boston: Hale, Cushman & Flint 1929)
• When trying to ensure neck snappage in hanging, try to loop the rope around the head at an angle, so that the knot is tilted off the centre of the neck. This forces the rope to twist as it falls, allowing neck snappage to be more easily achieved.
• The heights of the gallows can be adjusted accordingly to personal style and preference.
• In some parts of Europe, you will find collectors who will buy gallows. A good gallows can easily fetch anywhere between $3,500-$12,000. Antique gallows are worth more.
• The wood you are using to make the gallows should be hardwood, preferably oak as it is very sturdy, and quite resilient to rot after being Varathaned(®).
• If you are making gallows to sell to collectors, make it out of a higher quality hardwoods, such as oak or walnut, as opposed to spruce.
• How you attach the pieces together is up to you. You can make complex box or dovetail joints, simple daito joints, or just use glue and nails, or a combination of them. However, whatever method you use, it is important to have the joints stable and steady, otherwise the gallows may break under a person's weight.

Warnings

• Gallows may be considered weapons in some jurisdictions.
• You may be convicted of murder if you hang someone.
• If you aid someone attempt suicide by building them the gallows for that purpose, you may be convicted of assisting suicide or murder. Think carefully.
• People in your neighbourhood may ostracize you and think you as strange for building a gallows.
• If you can, work with someone when standing up the Inverted 'L' gallows, or attaching the 'frame' to the Hanging frame gallows. This is because it will be very heavy, and if working alone, if it topples on you, you may have no one to call for help, especially if you are trapped underneath.
• Please only use the gallows for hangings if you are a liscensed executioner in a country/jurisdiction where hangings are legal, and with proper permission also; otherwise you risk prosecution.