A garroting device would certainly be practical to have around. When not being applied to executing people, it could be used to change wheel bearings, straighten bent pieces of metal, as a can crusher and to crack coconuts just to name a few applications. It's surprising that it has fallen into disuse as it is environmentally friendly needing no toxic chemicals or electricity and look how portable it is. The one in the movie is clearly an example of quality manufacturing. Its built to last a lifetime (so to speak). No executioner should be without one.