Thoughts to ponder

“TO BE OR KNOT TO BE”

THAT IS THE QUESTION ?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you ever watched folks at an encampment and wondered how in the world they have survived as long as they have by the looks of their living quarters.  And heaven forbid if a good wind comes up during the night, the camp ends up looking like a tragic farming accident with canvas and camp wares scattered everywhere.

Over the last 50 years I have seen this series of events happen a dozen times. I have taken the time at such occurrences to look at why such things happened, wanting to prevent my own camp from experiencing such disaster in the future.  Some of the biggest problems is anchoring the structure to the ground, loose canvas being caught by the wind or rain and the most common mistake was poor methods of tying the structures ropes.

We are all the same, whether you’re an old sailor with knot savvy or a newbe just starting out. The bottom line is when we setup our camp in some cases we’re in a hurry to get settled in or go help others do the same.  I have done the same thing and then once settled just happen to look at a knot and wonder who did that or what was I thinking. When canoeing great distances and having equipage be destroyed because of lack of attention, this can make life very miserable for you and your companions.

Here are a few simple knots that we all should know how to tie as well as know the correct application for each, some knots work better than others. A few of the knots shown may be called a different name in your location.

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“Fisherman’s Bend”

This is an important knot because of its strength & simplicity & being more secure when end is seized as shown.

 

 

 

 

“Clove Hitch”

Known as the “builder’s hitch” because of its wide use by builders in fastening staging to upright posts.

 

 

 

 

“Fisherman’s Knot”

This knot is probably the strongest method of joining fine lines, such as fishing lines.

 

 

 

“Reef Knot” (Square Knot)

If tied with two ends of unequal size, or if one end is stiffer or more slippery than the other, it is bound to spill. Under no circumstances should it be used as a bend. (a bend is tying two ropes together). There have been more lives lost as a result of using a “square knot” as a bend.

 

 

 

 

“Timber Hitch”

This knot is very useful for hoisting or using as a towline, holding without slipping or jamming.

 

 

 

 

“Sheet Bend” (Weaver’s Knot)

This knot is used aboard ships for joining small or medium sized ropes. Popular also in the textile mills for joining threads or yarns.

 

 

 

“Figure Eight Knot”

This knot is used at the end of a rope to temporarily prevent the strands from unraveling.

 

 

 

 

“Surgeon’s Knot”

Usually tied with twine, the surgeon’s knot is a modified form of the reef knot & the extra turn taken in the first tie prevents slipping before the knot is completed.

 

 

Care should be used with some small ropes & lines.

The three knots shown above are recommended for tying small slippery lines & cords that would otherwise not hold like the larger coarser ropes.

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