Knots Notes

ORCHID PARK SECONDARY SCHOOL National Police Cadet Corps Campcraft – Knots (Notes)

Rank & Name: _________________________________

Level: Sec _____

Date: __________

Terms and Definiti D efinitions ons Terms

Definitions

Working / Running End Standing End Working Part Standing Part Bight Loop Overhand Loop Underhand Loop Turn Round Turn Seize

the active end of the rope that is used in the t ying of knots. the inactive end of the rope that is not used in the tying of knots. the portion of the rope between the knot / loop / turn and the working end. the portion of the rope between the knot / loop / turn and the standing end. a bend or U-shaped curve of the rope. a full circle formed by crossing the working end over / under the standing part. a loop formed by crossing the working end over the standing part. a loop formed by passing the working end under the standing part. take the rope and go round the object once. take the rope and go around the object twice. bind two ropes, a rope to an object / two parts of the rope together with a string.

Overhand Loop

Bight

Underhand Loop

Working / Running End

Round Turn

Turn

Standing End

Prepared by: Toh Wee Teck

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Types of Knots Types

Functions knots used to prevent the rope from sliding or being pulled through another knot or

Stopper Knots Fixing Knots / Hitches Loop Knots Joining Knots / Bends Shortening Knots

a loop. It can also be used as a weight for the rope, to provide as a hand-grip or to prevent the end of the rope from fraying (“opening up”). knots used to secure the rope to an object. knots that have a loop. knots used to tie tw o ropes together. knots used to shorten the rope.

Stopper Knots Overhand Knot / Thumb Knot Method 1:

1. Form an overhand (underhand) loop. 2. Bring the working end under (above) the loop. 3. Insert the working end in through the loop. 4. Pull Pull both both ends ends to tigh tighte ten. n.

Method 2:

1. Cross your arms such that your right (left) palm is above your left (right) arm and your left (right) palm is under your right (left) arms.

2. Hold each end of the rope with each of your palms. 3. Uncross your arms such that each arm is free from the rope. 4. Pull Pull both both ends ends to tigh tighte ten. n.

Remarks: •

Usually used as a hand-grip or stopper. stopper.

•

Easy to tie.

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When put under strain, it is difficult to untie.

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Jams easily and severely.

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Can be transformed into a Double Overhand Knot (stronger than an Overhand Knot) by b y adding another turn round the loop before t ightening the knot.


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Figure-of-Eight Knot Method 1:

1. Form an overhand (underhand) loop. 2. Bring the working end across under (above) the standing part. 3. Bring the working end over (under) t he loop. 4. Insert the working end in through the loop. 5. Pull Pull the the bot both h ends ends to to tigh tighte ten. n.

Method 2:

1. Form a bigh bightt with with the workin working g end. end.

2. Twist the bight 360 . 3. Insert Insert the the worki working ng end end in throug through h the loop. loop.

Remarks: •

Easy to tie.

•

When put under strain, it is easy to untie.

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Does not jam.

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Can be transformed into Figure-of-Eight Loop (used in rescue work and mountaineering) b y forming a bight with the working end and using the bight to tie a Figure-of-Eight Knot.

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Can be transformed into Packer’s Knot (for tying a parcel) by tying a Figure-of-Eight Knot around the standing part in the 1 st loop and securing the standing part to the working end with a half hitch for extra security.


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Hitches Half Hitch Method:

1. Make an underhand loop round the object. 2. Make a turn round the standing part with the working end going in through the loop that is around the object. [This step is known as a “half hitch”.] 3. Pull Pull both both ends ends to tigh tighte ten. n.

Remarks: •

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Easy to tie. Not very secure.

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Can loosen when the strain goes around the object.

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Best used when the strain is at right angle to the object.

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Tie a stopper knot at the working w orking end or seize the working end to the standing part for extra security securit y.

Two Half Hitches Method:

1. Make an underhand loop round the object. 2. Tie Tie two half half hitche hitchess around around the the standin standing g part. part. 3. Pull Pull both both ends ends to tigh tighte ten. n.

Remarks: •

Easy to tie.

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More secure than a Half Hitch.

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Both half hitches should be in the same direction.


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Round Turn and Two Half Hitches Method:

1. Make Make a round round turn turn aroun around d the the object object.. 2. Tie Tie two half half hitche hitchess around around the the standin standing g part. part. 3. Pull Pull both both ends ends to tigh tighte ten. n.

Remarks: •

Easy to tie.

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•

Does not jam.

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More secure than Two Half Hitches.

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Clove Hitch Method 1:

1. Form an overha overhand nd (under (underhand) hand) loop around around the the object. object. 2. Form another another overhand overhand (underha (underhand) nd) loop around around the object, object, under (above) (above) the previous previous loop, loop, such that the working part and the standing part are in-between the two loops. 3. Pull Pull both both ends ends to tigh tighte ten. n.

Method 2: (when one end of the object is accessible)

1. Form two overh overhand and (und (underh erhand and)) loops loops side side by side. side. 2. Overlap Overlap the two overhand overhand (under (underhand) hand) loops loops such such that the working working part part and the standing standing part part are in between the two loops. 3. Put the the loops loops over over the acce accessi ssible ble end end of the obje object. ct. 4. Pull Pull both both ends ends to tigh tighte ten. n.

Remarks: •

Easy to tie.

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Not as secure as the Round Turn and Two Two Half Hitches.

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Can loosen when the strain goes around the object.

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More secure when the strain is applied at both ends.

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Tie a stopper knot at the working end, secure the working end to the standing part with a half hitch or two half hitches or seize the working end to t he standing part for extra security. security.

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Can be tied even when the ends of the rope are inaccessible but one end of the object must be accessible (Method 2).

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Can be transformed into a Constrictor Knot (very secure but very difficult to untie) by bringing the working end over and in through the standing part and the 1 st loop before tightening (Method 1).


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Rolling Hitch Method:

1. Make Make a round round turn turn aroun around d the the object object.. 2. Make a turn turn round round the the standin standing g part part and and the object. object. 3. Insert Insert the the worki working ng end end in throug through h the turn. turn. 4. Pull Pull both both ends ends to tigh tighte ten. n.

Remarks: •

Easy to tie and untie.

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When put under strain, it tightens easily. easily.

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When there is no strain, it will slide along the object.

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Best when the strain is parallel or at an angle (



45 ) to the object, in the direction away from the

working end. •

Can be transformed into Tautline Hitch (a loop knot whose loop is adjustable) by making a bight with the working end and tying a rolling hitch to the standing part.


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Timber Hitch Method 1:

1. Make Make a turn turn roun round d the the objec object. t. 2. Insert Insert the the worki working ng end end in throug through h the turn. turn.

3. Make a few (at least three or four) turns around the 1 st turn on the other side of the standing part. 4. Pull Pull both both ends ends to tigh tighte ten. n.

Method 2: (when the one end of the object is accessible)

1. Form a Figure-of-Eight Knot. 2. Make a few turns (at least three or four) four) around around loop. loop. 3. Put the the loop loop over over the the access accessibl iblee end of of the obje object. ct. 4. Pull Pull both both ends ends to tigh tighte ten. n.

Remarks: •

Used as a temporary knot to drag or lift an object.

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Does not jam.

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The greater the strain, the tighter the knot.

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May loosen when there is no strain.

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Tie a half hitch to t he object before the Timber Hitch for extra security. security.

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When the strain is to be parallel or at an angle (



45 ) to the object, tie a half hitch between the strain

and the Timber Hitch, especially for dragging the object.


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Highwayman’s Highwayman’s Hitch / Draw Hitch Method:

1. Form a bight bight behi behind nd (in (in front front of) the obje object. ct. 2. Form anothe anotherr bight bight with with the the stan standin ding g part. part.

3. Insert the 2 nd bight in through the 1 st bight from the front of (behind) the object. 4. Pull Pull the work workin ing g end end tigh tight. t. 5. Form anothe anotherr bight bight with with the the worki working ng part part..

6. Insert the 3rd bight in through the 2 nd bight from the front of (behind) the object. 7. Pull the standing part and the 3 rd bight to tighten, leaving the working end outside the 2 nd bight. Pull the working end to release.

Remarks: •

Used as a temporary knot to secure an object to another object.

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Quick release.

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Can be tied even when the ends of the rope are inaccessible.


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Marlinspike Hitch / Lever Hitch Method 1:

1. Form a turn round the object. 2. Tie an Overhand Knot around the standing part. 3. Pull Pull the worki working ng end end and the the turn to to tighte tighten n the knot. knot. 4. Pull Pull the stand standing ing part part to secu secure re the rope rope to the the objec object. t.

Method 2: (when one end of the object is accessible)

1. Form an overha overhand nd / under underhan hand d loop. loop.

2. Form a bight with the working end / standing part. 3. Insert Insert the bight bight in in throu through gh the the loop loop.. 4. Put the the bight bight over over the acces accessib sible le end of of the objec object. t.

Remarks: •

Used to make a rope ladder (Method 2).

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Loop Knots Slip Knot Method 1:

1. Form an overhand (underhand) loop. 2. Form a bigh bightt with with the the work working ing part. part. 3. Insert Insert the bight bight in through through the the loop, loop, leaving leaving the working working end outsid outsidee the loop. loop.

4. Pull the working end, the standing part and the bight to tighten. Pull the working end to release.

Method 2:

1. Form an Overhand Knot. 2. Form a bigh bightt with with the workin working g end. end.

3. Trace the working end back through the loop, leaving the bight outside the loop. 4. Pull the working working end, standing standing part part and and the bight to tighten. tighten. Pull the working end to release.

Remarks: •

Easy to tie.

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Quick release.

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Adjustable loop.

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The Overhand Knot should be on the standing part around the working end.

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If the Overhand Knot is on the working part around the standing part, it is a Slip Noose (pull the standing part to release).


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Bowline Method:

1. Form an overha overhand nd (under (underhand) hand) loop with the workin working g end. end. 2. Bring Bring the the worki working ng end end under under (abov (above) e) the the loop. loop. 3. Form a bigh bightt with with the the work working ing part. part.

4. Insert the working end in through the loop leaving the bight outside the loop. 5. Make Make a turn turn round round the standi standing ng part part.. 6. Bring Bring the the worki working ng end end above above (unde (under) r) the the loop. loop. 7. Insert Insert the the worki working ng end end in throug through h the loop. loop. 8. Pull Pull both both ends ends to tigh tighte ten. n. 9. Pull Pull the standi standing ng part part to to tighte tighten n the loop. loop.

Remarks: •

Use to secure to an object / loop or for rescue purposes.

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Easy to tie.

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When under strain, it is easy to untie.

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Does not jam.

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Loop does not slip and is not adjustable.

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Tie a stopper knot at the working end, secure the working end to the loop with a half hitch or two half hitches or seize the working end to the standing part for extra security, especially during rescue work.

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The working end must be inside the loop. (Otherwise, the knot is not as strong.)


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Tent-Guy Loop / Trucker’s Hitch Method:

1. Tie a Slip Knot. 2. Form a bigh bightt with with the the work working ing part. part.

3. Insert the working end in through the loop of the Slip Knot. 4. Pull the working part to tighten the Slip Knot. 5. Pull the working end to tighten the loop.

Remarks: •

Act as a pulley.

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Adjustable loop.

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Only secure when under strain.

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Will loosen when strain is removed.

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Secure with a half hitch or two half hitches at the working end or seize the working end for extra security.


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Man-Harness Knot Method:

1. Form an overhand loop. 2. Bring the working part under the loop leaving the working end outside the loop. 3. Take one side of the loop and bring it under the working part and in through the loop. 4. Pull the working working end, the standin standing g part part and the loop loop to tighten. tighten.

Remarks: •

Acts as a handle / shoulder sling for hauling an object.

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Easy to tie.

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Loop does not slip and is not adjustable.

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Fireman’s Fireman’s Chair Knot / Chair Hitch Method:

1. Form two overhand (underhand) loops side b y side. 2. Overlap the two overhand (underhand) loops such that the working part and the standing part are in between the two loops.

3. Insert the part of the loop on top in through the loop below and insert part of the loop below in through the loop on top. 4. Pull Pull the loop loopss to to tig tight hten en.. 5. Use the the working working end to form a loop around around the nearest nearest loop. loop. 6. Use the the standin standing g part part to form form a loop around around the nearest nearest loop. loop. 7. Push Push the the half half hitc hitches hes toward towardss the the knot. knot. 8. Pull Pull the worki working ng end end and stan standin ding g part part to tighte tighten. n.

Remarks: •

Use for rescue purposes (lower a casualty from a high ground) as it is strong enough to hold the weight of a person.

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One loop goes round the person under the armpits while the other loop goes round the knee.

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One end for lowering the object and the other end for preventing the object from hitting against a wall.

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Secure the working end to the standing part with a half hitch or two half hitches to the standing part or seize the working end to the standing part for extra security. security.

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Bends Reef Knot / Square Knot Method 1:

1. Take the working ends of the two ropes and cross them right over left (left over right). 2. Make a turn round one of the rope with the other rope. 3. Cross Cross the workin working g ends again, again, left over over right right (right (right over over left). left).

4. Make another turn round one of the rope with the other rope. 5. Pull the working working ends and the standin standing g parts parts to to tighten. tighten.

Method 2:

1. Form a bight on the 1 st rope. 2. Take the 2nd rope and insert it in through the bight on the 1 st rope from below (above). 3. Bring the 2nd rope around the standing part and the working end of the 1 st rope. 4. Insert the 2 nd rope back in through the bight on the 1 st rope. 5. Pull the working working ends and the standin standing g parts parts to to tighten. tighten.

Remarks: •

Used to tie parcel and bandaging as it is flat.

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Used to join ropes of the same material and size.

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Should not be used when safety or security is concerned.

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Easy to tie.

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Can slip.

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Tightens when under strain.

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May loosen when there is no strain.

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Loosens off easily by pulling the two bights.

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The working ends should be on the same side.

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If the working ends are on opposite side (Method 2), then it is a Thief Knot (much weaker that a Square Knot).

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Can transform into Granny Knot (will slip under strain) when the two crossings are in the same direction (Method 1).


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Sheet Bend Method:

1. Form a bight bight with with the worki working ng end end of the thic thicker ker rope rope..

2. Take the working end of the thinner rope and insert it in through the bight of the thicker rope from below.

3. Make an underhand loop around the working end and the standing part of the thicker rope. 4. Bring Bring the working working end end of the thinner thinner rope rope over over the bight bight of the thicker thicker rope. rope. 5. Pull the working working ends and the standin standing g parts parts to to tighten. tighten.

Remarks: •

Used to join ropes of different types or unequal thickness.

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Used to secure a rope to a loop (replace the thicker rope with the loop).

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Should not be used when safety or security is concerned.

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Does not jam.

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Tightens when under strain.

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More secure than the Square Knot.

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The thicker rope should form the bight.

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Should end with both working ends on the same side.

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If both working ends on opposite sides, it is a Left-Handed Sheet Bend (much weaker than a Sheet Bend).

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Can transform into Double Sheet Bend (stronger and for ropes of very different thickness or when the ropes are slippery) by adding another turn (repeat steps 3 ~ 4) before tightening.


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Fisherman’s Knot Method:

1. Use the 1st rope to tie an overhand knot around the standing part of the 2 nd rope. 2. Use the 2nd rope to tie an overhand knot around the standing part of the 1 st rope. 3. Pull Pull both both standi standing ng parts parts to tigh tighten ten..

Remarks: •

Used to join ropes of small and equal diameters.

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Used more for permanent bending as it jams severely and difficult to untie.

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Easy to tie.

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Strong.

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The working ends should be on opposite sides.


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Shortening Knots Sheepshank Method 1:

1. Form three overhand (underhand) loops side by side. 2. Overlap Overlap the loops loops such that that the working working part and and the standing standing part part are in-between in-between the loops. loops.

3. Bring one side of the middle loop nearest to the working part above (under) the loop nearest to the working part.

4. Insert part of the middle loop in through the loop nearest to the working part. 5. Bring Bring the other side side of the middle middle loop nearest nearest to the the standing standing part under under (above) (above) the loop loop nearest nearest to the standing part. 6. Insert Insert part of of the middle middle loop in through through the loop loop nearest nearest to the the standing standing part. part.

7. Pull the working end, the standing part and the two sides of the middle loop to tighten.

Method 2:

1. Form two bights in opposite directions (i.e. a “S” shape) with the working part. 2. Tie Tie a half half hitch hitch each each on each each of of the the bights bights..

3. Pull both ends to tighten.

Remarks: •

Can be used to bypass a worn-out section of the rope by placing the worn-out section in the middle of the “S” shape or as the middle loop.

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Easy to tie.

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Will loosen when there is no strain.

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Pass the two ends through the loops after tightening, pass an object through the loop (Method 1 of Marlinspike Hitch), add another half hitch at each loop or seize the loops to the working end and standing part for e xtra security.


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Chain Knot Method:

1. Form an overha overhand nd (under (underhan hand) d) loop loop.. 2. Form a bigh bightt with with the the work working ing part. part. 3. Bring Bring the the bigh bightt under under (abov (above) e) the the loop. loop. 4. Insert Insert the bight bight in through through the the loop, loop, leaving leaving the working working end outsid outsidee the loop. loop.

5. Pull the standing part and the loop to tighten. 6. Pull Pull the the worki working ng end end to to adjus adjustt the the loop. loop. 7. Form anothe anotherr bight bight with with the the worki working ng part part.. 8. Insert Insert the bight bight in through through the the loop, loop, leaving leaving the working working end outsid outsidee the loop. loop. 9. Pull Pull the the worki working ng end end to to adjus adjustt the the loop. loop. 10. Repeat Repeat steps 7 ~ 9 till satisfie satisfied. d. Pull the working end to release.

Remarks: •

Used for ropes of small diameters.

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Used for tying of boot laces.

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Quick release.

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Insert the working end in through the loop to secure.


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Knots Notes

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