Most of us go about our daily lives without experiencing any dangerous events. However, should you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, it's a good idea to know how to respond to danger and protect yourself. You must know how to break free from the shackles on your body, in case you are attacked and bound as a result of military action, kidnapping, or burglars entering your home. Don't panic when you're tied up, but focus on loosening or cutting the straps from your body.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Freeing Yourself While Tied to the Rope
Step 1. Position yourself to prevent your body from being tightly bound
If the ties that bind the body are not too tight, your chances of breaking free are even greater. Prevent attackers from tying your body tightly. For example, if your wrists are tied in front of you, grasp the knuckles of your hands, and pull your hands closer to your chest. This gesture makes the attacker think you're obediently obeying, but you're actually creating a gap between your wrists.
- Alternatively, you can hold your arms crossed at the wrist to tie them in front of you. Rotate your lower wrist 45 degrees while tying it so that when the knot is tight, you can straighten your wrist and loosen the strap.
- Make as much noise as possible. Most people don't really want to hurt other people more than necessary. Pretend to scream in pain. Complain a lot. Spill all your tears. Talk to your attacker and try to influence him. Make the attacker feel reluctant to tie you tightly.
- Make it difficult for your attackers. Most people are inexperienced in tying ropes and knotting techniques. Usually, people who do not receive formal training (eg people skilled in handling livestock), are not able to form strong bonds. If you struggle, fight, and make it difficult for the attacker to bind you, the resulting bond will not be perfect.
Step 2. Tense all the muscles as they are tied
This method is useful if it is not only the wrists and ankles that the attacker has tied. When tensed, the muscles expand so that your body becomes even larger when the attacker grabs it. This way, the bonds in your body will loosen when all the muscles are relaxed and loosen as your body shrinks again. Therefore, your chances of breaking free are even greater.
- This is a technique that magicians often use to break free from bondage. They tense the muscles when they are tied, and relax them so that the bonds loosen.
- If your attacker is tying a rope around your chest, take a deep breath and expand your lungs as much as possible. If you manage to expand it big enough, you can slip it out of the knot.
Step 3. Unwind the rope that is wrapped around both hands
Once your assailant turns around and leaves the room, rotate both wrists continuously until the bond loosens. You can also use your teeth to pull a piece of string and loosen the knot. Once the knot is finally loose enough, you can wriggle around until it's free.
- If your hands are tied to your torso or sides, stretch them out until they are in a narrow area of your body (such as directly in front of you). Ties will be loosened here in order to slip out.
- If your hands are locked on your stomach, chest, or torso, bend one arm up and try to lift the knot. If the tie is a little loose, you may be able to raise the rope so that it passes above your head.
Step 4. Try cutting the strap at the wrist
You need both hands to be able to untie the other parts of your body. So, both your hands need to be freed first. Ropes (or telephone and power cords) can be cut with friction. Therefore, you need to find a sharp object to rub the rope until it breaks.. Look for surfaces such as cement wall corners, countertops, or granite surfaces.
- If you are alone in the room, look for a sharp object such as a knife, scissors, or broken glass. You can use these items to cut ties, while being careful not to injure yourself.
- If you have a key or a small knife in your pocket, try to get it without getting caught. If you can cut the rope quickly, you can run away quickly.
Step 5. Remove shoes before freeing both feet
If you can't free your hands, it's best to free your legs first. First of all, kick your shoes off because you're easier to free your body if you're just wearing socks. After that, try to wriggle to get out of the bond. If you can't, bend down and try to untie your teeth.
When both feet are free, use your hands to lower the straps over your feet
Step 6. Plan your escape time carefully
Don't run away immediately after you're free. You have to plan your escape tactically. Run away when your attacker turns around or leaves the room. Go as far and as fast as possible.
- If you think you're being chased by an attacker, try to blend in with the crowd or hide in your surroundings, and arm yourself (eg with an iron rod) if necessary.
- Also, collect information about the attacker that will make it easier for the police to identify him. Pay attention to the physical appearance and appearance, the shape of the tattoo or wound, and the voice the attacker has.
Method 2 of 3: Freeing Yourself from a Zip Tie
Step 1. Break the locking mechanism on the zip tie
This is the weakest point in the zip tie so it is easiest to open. The trick, clench both hands and press each other's knuckles. Raise your tied hands above your head, and lower them quickly. At the same time, pull your elbows away from each other and press your wrists firmly against your stomach. This pressure should be strong enough to jerk the zip tie locking mechanism open.
If your hands are tied in front, tighten the zip tie as tightly as possible so that it is more vulnerable. Loose zip ties are more difficult to open
Step 2. Cut the zip tie with friction
If you can move yourself to a hard surface, keep rubbing the zip tie against the surface until it breaks.
Paracord or Kevlar yarn is heat resistant and great for swiping and cutting zip ties or rope. If you are worried about being tied up, or traveling to a dangerous area, replace your shoelaces with paracord or Kevlar laces. To free yourself, tie the shoelaces from both feet until they are connected, and the knot is between the wrists that are tied. Then, perform a "bicycle" motion to slide the zip tie until it breaks
Step 3. Free yourself from the zip tie
While being tied, clench your fists and develop the muscles in your wrists. In this way, your wrist expands and the bond loosens when the muscles are relaxed. If done correctly, you can wriggle out of the zip tie without hurting yourself.
- If the knot is very tight, twist your hands and keep moving your wrists together. The plastic zip ties can loosen and leave enough room to let your hands free.
- This method can take a while so make sure the attacker isn't watching you.
Method 3 of 3: Freeing Yourself and Tape
Step 1. Cut off the duct tape in front of you
Even though the adhesive is high, the duct tape is still easy to tear and break. If your hands are tied in front of you, lift them above your head and quickly lower them toward your stomach while simultaneously pulling your elbows away from each other.
Unlike the zip tie, this method will not cut your wrist
Step 2. Chew the duct tape until it breaks
Because it's not as strong as string, it can tear and break easily. Take advantage of this weakness and chew the duct tape off or bite it until it tears, then remove it from your body.
If you can't break the duct tape with your teeth, try peeling it off the skin using your teeth and mouth. This will increase the space for wiggling
Step 3. Wet the duct tape so it's easy to open
Like other tapes, the adhesiveness of duct tape will decrease when it gets wet. If you have a water bottle or other source of water nearby (such as a puddle on the floor or in the sink) use it to wet the duct tape. After a while, the duct tape will loosen and it can be removed from your leg or hand.
You can even lick or spit on the duct tape to reduce its stickiness
Tips
- Try practicing freeing yourself with a friend or relative. Use the technique above to break free. Don't be disappointed if you fail on the first try, you just keep practicing. Make sure the rope used can be cut, in case you can't wriggle out of the ties
- If you escape from a dangerous situation, make sure your attacker doesn't notice. If caught, he will tie you back even more tightly.
- If your hands are tied behind your back, stand up and try to bring your hands to the floor and jump over your hands so that the knots are now in front of you. This will make it easier to loosen the knot.
- Do not try these methods if the attacker is constantly with you in the room. You have to wait until he leaves the room or obeys his orders. Most kidnappers will eventually release their hostages.
Warning
- Call the police immediately after you manage to escape.
- You're likely to feel some pain when you free yourself from the ties, especially if the attacker is using a zip tie or rope. Struggle to endure the pain and prioritize escaping safely. After escaping later, you can get medical treatment.
