| Knots & Lashing |
| 2. BASIC KNOTS Below are some of the basic knots that we learned in NPCC. 2.1 Thumb Knot This is the simplist knot of all. It is commonly use to temporarily "stop" the end of a fraying rope. The overhand knot is commonly tied in a bight formed at the end of a rope, forming the Overhand Loop. Tip. The Thumbknot jams easily so it is far better to use a Figure of Eight knot to stop the end of a fraying rope. 2.2 Figure o Eight A useful "Stop" knot to temporarily bulk out the end of a rope or cord, the finished knot looks like its name. It is superior to using a Thumb Knot, because it does not jam so easily. Tip: The Figure of Eight is useful to temporarily stop the ends of a rope fraying, before it is whipped. 2.3 SheepShank The Sheepshank is a shortening knot, which enables a rope to be shortened non-destructively. The knot is only really secure under tension, it will fall apart when slack. (See tip below.) Tip. Use up to five half hitches each end of the Sheepshank to make the knot more secure, and for fine tuning the shortening. Tip. Never cut ropes to shorten them! Always use a shortening knot such as the Sheepshank, or coil the excess. The Fisherman's knot is used to tie two ropes of equal thickness together. It is used by fishermen to join fishing line, and is very effective with small diameter strings and twines. |
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| Figure 2.3 Overhead Knot |
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| Figure 2.4 Figure of Eight |
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