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knotwork [2015/02/22 19:43] – [The essential working knots] whblondeauknotwork [2022/05/29 16:01] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1
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 ---- ----
  
 +=== Classification of knots ===
 +
 +There are three classifications of knots
 +
 +  *__Knots__ A knot is a fastening in which a piece of rope is tied to itself.  Examples include a bowline, or any sort of stopper knot.  Unfortunately, the term "knot" is also used generically for the other classifications by the less informed.
 +
 +  *__Hitches__ A hitch is a fastening in which a line is tied to something else, like a post or a ring.  An example is a clove hitch a round turn with two half-hitches.
 +
 +  *__Bends__ A bend is a fastening in which a line is tied to another line, typically to extend it.  Examples include the sheet bend, or the figure 8 follow through, which is far stronger and less likely to slip than a sheet bend.
 +
 +----
 === What are you tying it to? === === What are you tying it to? ===
  
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 Knots can be tied to: Knots can be tied to:
  
-  * The line itself, forming a **loop** or **stopknot** (aka stopper).+  * __The line itself__, forming a **loop** or **stopknot** (aka "stopper").
  
-  * The other end of the line; this is a **binding knot**. Binding knots are monstrously convenient because they are usually “snuggable” (you can tighten them up before finishing them), but they are dangerous because it’s tempting to misuse them. We get accustomed to tying binding knots all the time, and then we find ourselves using them without thinking about it.+  * __The other end of the line__; this is a **binding knot**. Binding knots are monstrously convenient because they are usually “snuggable” (you can tighten them up before finishing them), but they are dangerous because it’s tempting to misuse them. We get accustomed to tying binding knots all the time, and then we find ourselves using them without thinking about it.
  
-  * Another line: a knot that joins two lines //so that they can handle a strain// is called a **bend**. Only certain knots are referred to as “bends”; this is a practice based in the safety implications of using a different knot when a bend is required. If it doesn’t have “bend” in the name, don’t use it as a bend unless you’re damn sure it’s proper to do so. <span style="color:red;">Safety: don’t join two ropes with anything other than a proper bend. Joining two lines with a square knot (which is a binding knot, not a bend at all) has probably killed or injured more people than any other knotwork mistake.</span>+  * __Another line__: a knot that joins two lines //so that they can handle a strain// is called a **bend**. Only certain knots are referred to as “bends”; this is a practice based in the safety implications of using a different knot when a bend is required. If it doesn’t have “bend” in the name, don’t use it as a bend unless you’re damn sure it’s proper to do so. **Safety: don’t join two lines for taking a strain with anything other than a proper bend.** Joining two lines with a square knot (which is a binding knot, not a bend at all) has probably killed or injured more people than any other knotwork mistake.
  
-  * A post or hook (a rigid structure in which you have the option of passing a bight of line over the end). This kind of knot is called a **hitch**.+  * __A post or hook__ (a rigid structure in which you have the option of passing a bight of line over the end). This kind of knot is called a **hitch**.
  
-  * A spar or ring (a rigid structure in which you do **not** have access to the end). This is also called a **hitch**; it just requires different methods of making the hitch.+  * __A spar or ring__ (a rigid structure in which you do **not** have access to the end). This is also called a **hitch**; it just requires different methods of making the hitch.
  
 ---- ----
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 ==== The Bowline ==== ==== The Bowline ====
- +| {{:bodgerous-lib:bowline_knot.jpg?100x210nolink|}} | This knot forms a loop that tends not to slip. (Any knot can slip given a frictionless rope; bowlines are simple and strongly resist slipping when your line is a normal rope not lubricated with some external substance.) The bowline, for what it's worth, is the knot that's most likely to save your life.\\ \\ There are many kinds of bowline, with different puposes and properties. We are only going to look at the essential, basic bowline right now.|
-This knot forms a loop that tends not to slip. (Any knot can slip given a frictionless rope; bowlines are simple and strongly resist slipping when your line is a normal rope not lubricated with some external substance.) The bowline, for what it's worth, is the knot that's most likely to save your life.+
  
 == Virtues == == Virtues ==
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 == The boring and awkward Boy Scout way: == == The boring and awkward Boy Scout way: ==
 This **works**. However, it is also the reason that so many people whine, "Bowlines are so //hard//", and never use them much in real life. It is not a good way to learn the knot. This **works**. However, it is also the reason that so many people whine, "Bowlines are so //hard//", and never use them much in real life. It is not a good way to learn the knot.
 +
 {{:bodgerous-lib:bowline.gif?nolink|}} {{:bodgerous-lib:bowline.gif?nolink|}}
  
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 ---- ----
 +==== The Figure Eight ====
  
-==== The Sheet Bend ==== 
  
-This is the classic bend. It’s simple to learn, not easy to screw up, and is pretty good for normal usage. Learn it, use it, you won’t be disappointed. +---- 
- +==== The Sheet Bend ====
-That said, **if you need to manage very heavy loads or big ropes, it’s much safer and smarter to study up on a more advanced bend, such as the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrick_bend|double carrick bend]].** These advanced knots are beyond the scope of this document.+
  
-Looking at a sheet bend, you will probably notice similarities with the structure of the bowline. These similarities are not accidental. The virtues of both knots come from the same kinds of structural advantages.+| {{:bodgerous-lib:sheet-bend-knot.gif?nolink|}} | This is the classic bend. It’s simple to learn, not easy to screw up, and is pretty good for normal usage. Learn it, use it, you won’t be disappointed.\\ \\ That said, **if you need to manage very heavy loads or big ropes, it’s much safer and smarter to study up on a more advanced bend, such as the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrick_bend|double carrick bend]].** These advanced knots are beyond the scope of this document.\\ \\ Looking at a sheet bend, you will probably notice similarities with the structure of the bowline. These similarities are not accidental. The virtues of both knots come from the same kinds of structural advantages. |
  
 === Virtues === === Virtues ===
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 === Disadvantages === === Disadvantages ===
   * Can work loose if the joined lines are shaking while not under load.   * Can work loose if the joined lines are shaking while not under load.
-  * If the two ends do not end up on the same side of the knot, it’s insecure and will slip. (This is the only real exception to the “not easy to screw up” part.)+  * If the two ends do not end up on the same side of the knot, it’s insecure and will slip. (This is the only real exception to the “not easy to screw up” part.)\\ {{:bodgerous-lib:sheet_bend_left_hand_x.jpg?100x75nolink|}}
   * Not suitable for really large ropes or industrial-strength haulage.   * Not suitable for really large ropes or industrial-strength haulage.
  
knotwork.1424634220.txt.gz · Last modified: 2022/05/29 16:01 (external edit)