Would Stranglers perform hits with such an instrument? (8)

I believe the answer is:

garrotte

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'an instrument?' is the definition.
(garrotte is a kind of instrument)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for garrotte that I've seen before include "Execute or kill by strangulation with wire around neck" , "Strangle with wire/cord" , "Strangle with wire or cord" , "weapon" , "Apparatus for execution by strangulation" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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