Knots and Lashings 2
Know how to put the following knots and hitch and know when they could be practically used:
Fisherman’s Knot
Man harness Knot
Timber Hitch
Tie Knot
Know the following lashings and know when they could be used practically.
Square Lashing
Diagonal Lashing
Sheer Lashing
Fisherman's Knot
Fisherman’s knot, also known as English knot, consists of two overhand knots each one tied around the standing part of the other one. Though it is mainly used as a bend to join two lines, it can be easily used to connect the ends of a single length of rope to form a loop. The beauty of the knot lies in its symmetry.
It is good for tying on small diameter twines and strings, especially fishing lines.
Advantages
Compact
Strong
Does not slip under strain
Working ends can be cut very close to the knot without risk of failure
Can be tied even with cold, wet hands
Disadvantages
Can slip when tied in slippery lines such as nylon monofilament
Jams when tightened (However, this is advantageous for fishing purposes). Difficulty in untying makes it differ from the sheet bend.
Uses
Fishing
Knitting.
Scouting.
Net making.
Tying webbing.
Rock climbing and by arborists.
Backing up other less secure knots.
Making macramé jewelry, paracord bracelets and keychains.
In knot-tying ceremonies of weddings to symbolize how bonds grow stronger under strain.
Man Harness Knot (Alphine Butterfly Loop)
It provides a secure loop in the middle of a piece of rope. Load can be safely applied: from the loop to either end of the rope; between the two ends with the loop hanging free; or to the loop with the load spread between the two ends.
Advantages
The Alpine Butterfly Loop is more stable than either the The Bowline on a Bight which may roll over. Even after a heavy load, the Alpine Butterfly Loop remains reasonably easy to undo.
Uses
The Alpine Butterfly Loop is useful anytime a secure loop is required in the middle of a rope. A good example is when a line of hikers wish to hook on along the length of a shared rope.
If a length of rope is damaged, it is a wonderful way to isolate the damaged section so that the rope may still be used – far safer than The Sheep Shank.
Timber Hitch
The Timber Hitch is as much used for handling cargo “… for which it is very convenient, as it practically falls apart when pull ceases."
Uses
The Timber Hitch is useful when towing a spar or log either afloat or on land. When used for this purpose, the Timber Hitch is often placed near the center of the spar and a separate Half Hitch is dropped over the end of the spar to act as a guide.
Fact: Diagonal Lashing is started using Timber Hitch
Four-in-Hand Necktie
Advantages
Simplicity and speed – which is why so many parents teach their children to tie the Four-in-Hand Necktie knot. Also, when the short end is pulled out, the knot does not require untying, it just falls apart.
Square Lashing
Square Lashing is the most common lashing in Scouting. The Square Lashing is used to bind two poles together. The lashing is designed to be load bearing and can be used to create scaffolding. Although the two poles usually cross each other at 90 degrees, the Square Lashing may be used when the angle between the two poles is as little as 45 degrees.
Frapping Turns: The turns surrounding the lashing at right angles exert a tightening effect on the lashing. These turns are known as Frapping Turns. Pulling them as tight as possible makes the Lashing more secure. Various techniques are recommended but I’m indebted to Dana Holgate for the following. Make use of your leg-strength. Wrap the rope around a stick. Stand on the poles being lashed with your knees bent, hold the stick across your thighs, and then straighten your legs to tighten the lashing.
Diagonal Lashing
The Diagonal Lashing is used to lash two spars together. Unlike the Square lashing which works for right angle crossings, the diagonal lashing secures poles crossing each other at a variety of angles.
Frapping Turns: The turns surrounding the Diagonal Lashing Knot at right angles exert a tightening effect on the lashing. These turns are known as Frapping Turns. Pulling them as tight as possible makes the Lashing more secure.
The Diagonal Lashing Knot is used to join two diagonal poles that are being used to brace a rectangular frame. The location of one diagonal in front and one behind explains the gap between the poles commonly found in the center.
Sheer Lashing
The Shear Lashing Knot is used to lash the ends of two poles together. The other ends are separated to make a pair of Shear Legs.
Spelling: The Sheer Lashing Knot is widely spelled both “Shear” and “Sheer”. There seems to be little agreement and some writers use both on the same page.
Sheer legs support weight. A single pair can be controlled with a rope as they lean over a stream to lift a bucket. A series of them can support an aerial walkway.
Frapping Turns: The turns surrounding the lashing at right angles exert a tightening effect on the Shear Lashing Knot. These turns are known as Frapping Turns. Pulling them as tight as possible makes the Lashing more secure.
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