useful knots and how to tie them

8/6/2019 Useful Knots and How to Tie Them

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From the Integrated Close Combat Forum http://kilogulf59.proboards80.com

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Useful Knots and How to Tie Them...

"What good's a rope if one cannot use it?". Based upon this thought, I created this compilation on

knots, hitches, and general rope use. I don't know about you, but over the years I've had to usemany of these knots and hitches. Nevertheless, since I don't tie then on a daily basis, I forget howand it's always when I need that darned knot the most that my memory takes a dump on me(thank God for zippers aye?).

Thank you, again, to Mr. John Hartenburg ofKnot & Rope Supply for allowing me the use ofhis knot files. This was truly kind as John sells these in sets. The "Pro-Knot Knot Card Set"and the "Fisherman's Ultimate Knot Guide Set" go for $5.95 each and are water and dirtproof plastic, plus they come on a ring so they're easy to index and hard to loose!

Here's some basic rope/knot nomenclature which may assist you (this is from my notes, original

source unknown):

RUIG ED, FREE ED, or BITTER ED - is the short end of the line: this will be usedfor actually tying the knot.

STADIG ED - this is the long end of the line, the static end of the rope: this will be underload.

BIGHT - is an open curve in a line or the main part of the rope from the running end to thestanding end.

LOOP or EYE - when a bight is closed (that is, when it crosses the line).

OVERHAD LOOP - a loop passing over the standing part.

UDERHAD LOOP - a loop passing under the standing part.

TWIST - sort of self explanatory: the line is twisted around another.

STOPPER KOT - used to stop the end of a rope fraying, or to stop it running through a smallhole or constriction.

BED- is used to tie two ropes together.

HITCH - is used to tie a rope to a log, spar, or post.

DRESS - upon completion of the knot; making sure it is correct and all proper so it will functionas intended.

SET - after dressing the knot; tighten it prior to usage so it will function as intended and not slipat initial load.

WHIP - securing the end of a line (with a light cord aka "whip cord") to prevent the fibres of therope from unraveling. Sealing this wit paint, varnish, or nail polish is advised. With syntheticline this can be accomplished by melting, though for heavier line, 3/8-inch and up, I'd still whipit.


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Whipping

I thought perhaps it best to initially do a tutorial on whipping a line. Should you get a length ofrope to practice these knots with, this would be the first thing you will want to do.

Thanks to The Inquiry et! This is a Boy Scout website with an astonishing amount ofinformation...I highly recommend it.

Whipping: Common or Simple

Ropes are made up of a number of strands twisted together. If the cut end is left un-whipped, therope will fray or untwist, and loose strength. Being thrifty, Scouts, 'Whip' or bind the ends of

ropes, this prevents fraying and prolongs the life of the rope.

Lay whipping twine on rope to form a loop (Diagram A). Bind twine around to trap loop(Diagram B). Continue with neat, tight bindings until the length of whipping is equal (about) 3

times the diameter of the rope (Diagram C). Working end of twine should then pass through theend of loop (C). Pull hard on the other end of the twine so that the working end is drawnand trapped under the binding, (Diagram D). Cut off loose ends, roll whipping under foot.

You should have a tight, neat whipping that will stop the end of the rope fraying.

Nylon and other man-made fiber ropes are better sealed using flame to melt fibers together; canalso be bound using Back-splice or Sail-makers' whipping.


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Trucker's Hitch

This knot, or hitch which is the correct term, was chosen for it's obvious utility. Whether its to

tarp down something or secure a load of logs this is, I am sure, one hitch you will use.


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Tautline Hitch

Anytime you need to draw a line taut and have it remain so, this is the hitch to use. The tautlinehitch is great for tarping down a load or log pile, pitching those party or lawn tents, and dozensof other household and outdoor uses. It's one of those useful bits that, once you start using it,you'll wonder how you ever managed without it...


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Double Fisherman's Knot

Another handy and simple knot to have in one's repertoire, the description in the picture says itall.


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Timber Hitch

Thanks to the Encyclopaedia Britannica for this particular tutorial.

The timber hitch is often used in towing logs or other cylindrical objects. These can be towedlengthwise by adding one or more half hitches to the timber hitch. The timber hitch is formed bymaking a half hitch and then winding the end around the loop.


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Sheet Bend and Double Sheet Bend

Aside from the stated purpose, there is a few other uses for this particular bend. As well, one canalso try a triple sheet bend is security is desired. Note when using this there is a direction ofpull...


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Bowline on a Bight and a Running Bowline

These are the last two knots I'll be posting unless someone comes up with some ideas as to otherhandy and useful knots or hitches.

These two are directly related to the Bowline (above) so if you can tie that these are a lead-pipecinch to do. Their usefulness if obviously great.


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Running Bowline Version

This is the best knot to adopt when you want one that is absolutely secure but has a loop ofvariable diameter. This is probably the best slip knot around.


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Clove Hitch

Used as a traditional hitch, that is loading only one end, the clove hitch is liable to slip. Itrequires a load in each direction in order to be effective, such as when being used as a crossingknot. It should not be relied on with rope that is thin or very slippery, as it can work itself loose,especially under a swinging or rotating load. However, for this very reason, the knot is useful insituations where a the length of the running end needs to be adjustable.

One quick method of tying, shown above, involves picking up the line with your right armcrossed over your left, palms down. Uncross your arms and then move the left loop behind theright loop. Throw the completed hitch over the end of a post or beam and work it snug.


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Buntline Hitch

The Buntline Hitch is very useful as it simply will not come undone even when the rope movesabout a great deal. It was used on square-sailed ships to secure a line to the Bunt (which is the

middle part of a sail). It h is useful for attaching lines to rings, eyes, posts, rods, and railingswhere a compact and secure knot is required. The non-slipped form is appropriate for moderateloads or where the knot will not need to be untied often. If heavily loaded it can be difficult orimpossible to untie without the aid of a marlinspike.

The slipped form is more versatile and convenient when a secure temporary hitch is needed. Forexample, the slipped Buntline hitch is an excellent choice to fasten a line to one side of avehicle's luggage rack, with a trucker's hitch being used on the other side to tension the line overa load placed between them.


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Buntline Hitch Slipped Variation

The slipped variation is made by passing a bight through on the final step instead of the end. Torelease, pull the bight back through knot by tugging firmly on the free end.


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useful knots and how to tie them

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