  Every boy is familiar with rope and its uses, but not every one is able to handle it to the best advantage. In camping and fishing, and particularly in any sport that has to do with the water, a knowledge of how to tie knots is of the greatest value and interest. Often one's very life depends on a knot holding. A good knot has three qualities, it must be easy and quick to tie, it must hold fast when pulled tight and must be easy to untie. There are a number of knots which meet these requirements but are adapted to different uses. To learn the various knots which follow take a section of flexible rope about four feet long and three-eighths of an inch in diameter. To keep the ends from fraying it is necessary to "whip" or bind them with twine. To do this make a loop in the twine and lay on the rope end so that the closed end of the loop projects just over the end of the rope. Begin wrapping with the long end of the twine at a point about an inch from the end of the rope, over the loop and toward the end. When you reach the end of the rope pass the free end of the twine through the loop and pull the other end of the twine. This will pull the free end under the wrapping and secure it. Cut off both ends close to the wrapping. To understand the directions remember that: 1. The Standing-part is the long unused portion of the rope upon which the work is done. 2. The Bight is the loop formed whenever the rope is turned back upon itself; and 3. The End is the part used in tying the knots. The two primary knots are the "overhand" and the "figure-of-eight," which must be learned first of all as a basis. THE OVERHAND KNOT Beginning with the position shown in the preceding diagram back the end around the standing-part and up through the bight, drawing it tight. THE FIGURE-OF-EIGHT KNOT Make a bight as before. Then lead the end around back of the standing-part and down through the bight. The following knots are chiefly based upon these and can be easily learned by careful study of the diagrams. With practice considerable speed can be obtained, but it is best to "make haste slowly." THE SQUARE OR REEF KNOT This is the commonest knot for tying two ropes together. It will not slip or jam if properly tied and is easy to untie. THE FALSE REEF KNOT OR GRANNY. If the ends are not properly crossed in making the reef knot the granny results, a bad and insecure knot. THE SHEET BEND OR WEAVER'S KNOT A knot much used by sailors in bending (tying) the sheet to the clew of the sail and in tying two rope ends together. Make a bight with one rope A, B, then pass the end C, of other rope up through and around the entire bight and bend it under its own standing-part. THE BOWLINE One of the most useful of all knots. It forms a loop that will neither jam nor slip and is the only knot which will not cut itself under heavy tension. It is much used on shipboard and in rigging when a loop is desired. To tie the knot, form a small loop on the standing-part leaving the end long enough for the size of the loop required. Pass the end up through the bight around the standing-part and down through the bight again. THE HALTER, SLIP OR RUNNING KNOT First form a bight and then tie an overhand knot around the standing-part. An improvement in this knot for a halter knot is made by forming the overhand knot with a loop in the end which is pulled through. By pulling the end the knot is readily released. THE SHEEPSHANK This knot is used to shorten a rope. Take up the amount of rope to be shortened and make a half hitch around each bend as shown. If the knot is to be permanent the ends above each half hitch should be lashed. THE CLOVE HITCH A useful knot for quick tying and easy release. It is used in making fast the bow line of a boat in coming into a wharf, in lashing poles together, etc. Hold the standing-part in the left hand and pass the rope around the pole or stake; cross the standing-part, making a second turn around the pole, and pass the end under the last turn. In making a boat fast, form a bight with the end beneath, throw this over the top of the pile or mooring stake. Form another bight with the end on top, turn this over and throw over pile, pulling end together. This is a very secure knot which can be tied with the greatest rapidity. THE FISHERMAN'S BEND A useful knot for use on board a yacht. Take two turns around a spar or ring, then a half hitch around the standing-part and through the turns on the rings and another half hitch above it around the standing-part. THE TIMBER HITCH Much used in logging operations in hauling logs. Pass the end of the rope around the timber. Then lead it around its standing-part and bring it back to make several turns on its own part. The strain will make it hold securely. THE DOUBLE HALF HITCH A knot which is easy to tie and will not slip. A neat job may be had by lashing the end to the standing-part after the knot is drawn tight. THE BECKET HITCH Useful in fishing to bend a cord or line to a heavier cord or rope. The method is shown. THE FISHERMAN'S KNOT Used chiefly in tying gut. It is easy to tie and can be readily untied by pulling the two short ends. The ropes are laid alongside each other and with each end an overhand knot is made around the standing-part of the other. Pull the standing-parts to tighten. CARRICK BEND A knot which is used principally in joining hawsers for towing or heavy duty hoisting. Turn the end of one rope A over its standing-part B to form a loop. Pass the end of the other rope across the bight thus formed back of the standing-part B, over the end A, then under the bight at C, passing it over its own standing-part and under the bight again at D. BLACKWALL HITCH Used to secure a rope to a hook. The standing part when hauled tight holds the end firmly. |
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