How to Build a Gallows

Last Updated: October 4, 2018

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 less popular, 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.

Note: Building and or operating a gallows may be illegal in your jurisdiction. Know the law before proceeding.

Part 1

Part 1 of 5:
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 piece. 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.

Part 2

Part 2 of 5:
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. This 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.

Part 3

Part 3 of 5:
The Hanging Frame

1
Take two 3m long posts/poles that are fashioned into square diameters (similar 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 center 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.

Part 4

Part 4 of 5:
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.

Part 5

Part 5 of 5:
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.
- 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.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I hang a gallows?

Community Answer

Refer to the "How to tie a noose" article, tie the end of the rope around the top of the gallows, and put the noose arouns someones neck. Then pull the lever.
Question

Would a tree work as well as a gallows?

Community Answer

Yes, a tree would work just as well.
Question

Why would you you need to know how to build a gallows? Hopefully it's not for killing anyone!

Community Answer

It could be useful for demonstrations at renaissance Festivals, or reenactments. The article explains this clearly.
Question

Is this an effective way to stage hangings in plays or musicals?

Community Answer

Yes, this would be perfect for a play or musical. Have an extremely long rope so that when the person is dropped through the trapdoor, more rope releases and they fall to the ground without choking.
Question

Is it legal to build a gallows?

Community Answer

As long as it's not for actually killing somebody. If it's just decor for Halloween or a demonstration, it's fine.
Question

How would I prevent people from using this if I leave it outside for Halloween?

Community Answer

Unless you are an engineer, I seriously doubt your gallows would be able to actually hang anyone. Just make it look old and rickety.
Question

Can I use the trapdoor design for dunking?

Community Answer

You can try it, and see if it works for what you are looking for.
Question

How do I use a gallows on myself?

Community Answer

You cannot use it on yourself. If you are having suicidal thoughts, seek medical attention immediately.
Question

Can I use a gallows myself?

Community Answer

You should never use it yourself, if you're feeling suicidal please call the lifeline hotline.
Question

Can this be used to play real life hangman?

Community Answer

Yes, you could use this with a doll to play real life hangman if you wanted.

Warnings

Gallows may be considered weapons in some jurisdictions.

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You may be convicted of murder if you hang someone.

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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.

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People in your neighbourhood may ostracize you and think you as strange for building a gallows.

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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.

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Please only use the gallows for hangings if you are a licensed executioner in a country/jurisdiction where hangings are legal, and with proper permission also; otherwise you risk prosecution.

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Vigilante Justice via gallows is illegal in most if not all countries.

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