Lesson 3

Parts of a Rope

A bend in the rope

Crossing the rope over itself, creating a loop

When the working end of the rope crosses OVER the standing end

When the working end of the rope crosses UNDER the standing end

Section of rope available to work with

can be slid up and down its own standing end, creating a knot that can tighten the line it's tied on.

It is used for:

The last step for clothes-lines or other lines that may need to be tightened occasionally

It is used for:

Regulating the tension (tightness) on guy lines for tents, shelters, etc.

Instructions:

Wrap the working end around a post from left to right

Wrap the working end, underhand, around the standing end twice, getting closer to the post each time, passing the end through the loop on the last wrap

Wrap the working end, underhand, around the standing end on the opposite end from the post, tucking the working end through the loop

Pull knot tight

Instructions:

Place the working end in the right hand over the working end in the left hand and tie an Overhand Knot.

Place the working end in the left hand over the working end in the right hand and tie a second Overhand Knot.

Pull ends tight. “Right over left, left over right, ties a square knot, tidy and tight.”

aka Reef Knot

If tied using the working end of one hand twice (e.g. right over right, right over right), a very unreliable “Granny Knot” will result.

If tied using the working end of one hand twice (e.g. right over right, right over right), a very unreliable “________” will result.

Difficult to untie after put under strain

Used For:

Tying two rope ends of the same size together

Used For:

Many craft projects, for instance tying bandanas, macramé, etc.

Types of Knots

Knot used to secure two ends of rope

Knot used to secure objects together

Knot usually used solely as decoration such as wrappings, necklaces, key chains, etc.

Knot used to secure a rope to another object such as a tree, railing, dock, post, or ring.

Knot used to create a loop in a rope

Knot used to prevent rope from passing through a restriction, such as a cleat, or used as a back-up for another knot.

Examples of HITCHES

Examples of BENDS

Examples of LOOPS

Example of DECORATIVE

Examples of STOPPER KNOTS

Instructions:

Create a vertical overhand loop so the rope forms a “6” keeping plenty of rope available on the working end.

Bring the working end through the overhand loop, from back to front. Wrap the working end around the standing end, from right to left

Place the working end back into the overhand loop

Pull the working end and loop tight. “The bunny comes out of the hole, around the back of the tree, and back into the hole.”

Properly tied in ordinary rope, there is little danger of the ______ slipping before the breaking point of the rope itself is reached. The _____ is easy to untie, even when wet and put under a load.

Used For:

Two interlocking ____ can be used to tie a bedroll

One end of a clothesline

The first step of a tie-down for a trailer, truck, etc.

Instructions:

Using the working end, tie an Overhand Knot around the standing end, creating a loop.

Used For:

Creating an adjustable loop in a rope

Instructions:

Using the working end of one rope, tie a Slip Knot around the other rope.

Using the working end of the second rope, tie a Slip Knot around the first rope on the standing end side of the first knot.

Pull standing ends of both ropes until knots slide together.

Used For:

Joining two ropes of different sizes together.

Instructions:

Take a bight in the rope

Create a vertical overhand loop so the rope forms a double “6” keeping plenty of rope available on the working end bight.

Bring the working end bight through the overhand loop, from back
to front.

Open the working end bight and put knot all the way through loop.

Pull loop tight.

May come untied if a load is only applied to one loop.

Used For:

Creating two loops in the middle of a rope that’s easily untied.

Instructions:

Wrap the working end around the back of a post twice, crossing on the front

Wrap a third time, passing the working end under the “x” created by the cross on the front of the post

Not good for square posts

As more force is placed on the knot, or if the standing end tries to unwrap the knot, the knot actually tightens

Can be easily un-tied if the working end isn’t pulled all the way through.

Used For:

Hitching an object to a post or railing (e.g. boat at a dock)

Fastening a rope to a tree, post, or railing that will incur a constant force

Instructions:

Take a bight in the rope

Form an overhand loop using the bight as the working end

Pass the working end through the loop

Pull tight

Quick and simple loop, hard to untie after put under extreme load or when wet

Used For:

Permanent, easy loops

Instructions:

Form an overhand loop with the working end

Pass the working end through the loop

Pull tight

Simplest of stopper knots. Best used on twine or thread. Use on cord you do not want to untie later.

Used For:

Putting a knot in the end of a rope to keep it from fraying

Making a “stop” to keep your hand from sliding off the end of the rope

Joining two pieces of string or cord that you do not wish to undo later

Instructions:

Place the working end on top of the standing end

Wrap a second time and pull tight

Simplest of stopper knots. Best used on twine or thread. Use on cord you do not want to untie later.

Used For:

Putting a knot in the end of a rope to keep it from fraying

Making a “stop” to keep your hand from sliding off the end of the rope

Joining two pieces of string or cord that you do not wish to undo later

Instructions:

Take a bight in the rope

Wrap the working end all the way around the standing end

Pass the working end through the loop from the back

Pull tight

Universal stopper knot used often in climbing, rappelling, and sailing.

Easier to untie than an Overhand Knot, especially when wet or extremely tight.

Used For:

Preventing end of rope from running out of a retaining device, such as a cleat.

Tied on a bight, creating a loop, to attach ropes to a climber.

Used For:

Originally used as stopper knot on tall sailing ships.

Can be made into a necklace or keychain.

Given as a gift, it is a sign of community, camaraderie, and good luck.

Simplest of stopper knots. Best used on twine or thread. Use on cord you do not want to untie later.

Used For:


Putting a knot in the end of a rope to keep it from fraying

Making a “stop” to keep your hand from sliding off the end of the rope

Joining two pieces of string or cord that you do not wish to undo later

Used For:

Joining small rope, twine, or fishing line

Jewelry projects such as bracelets and necklaces that need to be loosened and tightened easily.

Multiple uses in fishing.

Used For:

Jewelry making, such as friendship bracelets

The last step for a tie-down on a trailer, truck, etc.