How To Tie Knots

Something every scout should know is how to tie a knot. The animated graphics below illustrate some of the knots you would need to know to earn a merit badge (figure out if a scout has earned one). Click on the knot pictured you want to see tied.


Animated Knotboard
Image above and knot graphics were created by Larry Richardson
for Navy League [http://www3.sympatico.ca/lar.richardson/nlknots.htm]




The Overhand Knot

The overhand knot is the starting point for many knots and is used in tying your shoes.



The Figure 8

The figure 8 knot forms the end in a line which prevents that line from slipping through a block.



The Reef Knot

The reef knot used to join two ropes of equal size...and it unties easily, even when wet. When this knot is tied improperly it is called a GRANNY knot!



The Bowline

One of the handier knots in sailing, the bowline forms an eye or loop in the end of a line. In sailing, it connects the JIB SHEETS (lines/ropes) to the JIB (foresail).



The Sheep Shank

This complicated looking knot is the SHEEP SHANK. By forming this knot a line can be temporarily shortened and then quickly shook loose!
The Clove Hitch

This clove hitch can be tied with one hand and is used to secure a line to a post or to tie a fender to a life line.



The Sheet Bend

The sheet bend is used to join 2 ropes (lines) of unequal size. It oftens connects a towline to a PAINTER.



The Rolling Hitch

The rolling hitch can be used to connect a smaller rope to a larger rope or spar.



The Round Turn

The Round Turn and 2 half hitches. An excellent knot for tying the painter (a boat's bow line...not an artist!) to a ring or post.



The Timber Knot

As the picture suggests this knot is handy for lifting large logs and timbers, or spars.





Back


Home


Forward




Some of the graphics and webpage layout
were created or adapted by