Alternatively, you can present your hands to be tied with both hands in front of you, crossed at the wrist. Rotate your lower wrist about 45 degrees while you’re being tied, so that, once the ropes are tight, you can straighten out your wrist and loosen the rope. [2] X Research source Make a lot of noise. Most people deep down do not want to inflict more discomfort or suffering than necessary. Cry out in pain–even if you are not. Complain. Let the tears flow. Talk to them and try to manipulate them. Make it mentally more difficult to tighten those bonds tighter. Make the task difficult. Most people are not experts in rope tying, knots, and techniques. Usually the average person without formal training (such as a person proficient in working with cattle) does not do an adequate job. If you are thrashing around, resisting, and generally being a physical challenge the task is all that much more difficult.

This is a technique used by most escape artists and allows the ropes to be slightly looser when you relax you muscles. If captors are tying a rope around your chest, take a deep breath and expand your lungs as much as possible. [3] X Research source If you can make a loose spot big enough to do so, slip out of it.

If your hands are tied to your torso or sides, wriggle your hands until they’re at a narrower part of your body (such as directly in front of you). The ropes will be looser here, and you’ll be able to slip out. [5] X Research source If your arms are pinned to your stomach, chest or torso, bend one arm upwards and try lifting the bonds. If the rope is at all lose, you may be able to slip it off over your head.

If you’re alone in a room, look around for a sharp object, such as a knife, scissor blade, etc. If you use one of these objects to cut the rope while your hands are tied, take care not to cut or injure yourself. If you have a key or small knife in your pocket, try to get it out without anyone noticing. If you can cut the ropes quickly, you’ll be well on your way to escaping.

Once your feet are free, use your tied hands to pull the leg bonds down until they have gone off over your feet.

If you expect to be pursued by your captors, try to blend in or hide in your environment, and arm yourself (for example, with a piece of rebar) if needed. Also, you can gather information about your captors that could help the police track them down. Pay attention to their looks and physical appearance, any tattoos and scars, and the sound of their voices.

If your hands are bound in front of you, tighten the zip tie as much as possible, as it will be more fragile when fully taut. A looser zip tie will be harder to break free from.

Paracord or Kevlar string are heat resistant and can be used to create enough friction to cut through zip ties or rope. If you’re concerned you may be tied up, or traveling in a dangerous area, consider replacing your shoelaces with paracord or Kevlar string. [10] X Research source To escape, tie your shoelaces from both feet together, with the knot between your bound wrists. Then use a “bicycle” motion to create friction and cut your zip ties off.

If you’ve been tied tightly, rotate your hands and move your wrists back and forth against each other. This may loosen the plastic zip cords, and create enough room for you to slip your hands free. [12] X Research source This may take time, so make sure your captors don’t observe you trying to escape.

Unlike zip ties, breaking duct tape in this method is unlikely to cut your wrists.

If you can’t break the tape with your teeth, try to peel it away from your skin with your teeth or mouth. This will give your more space to wriggle out of the tape.

If you can lick or spit on the duct tape, even saliva from your mouth will help loosen the adhesion.