Knots and Lashing Ropes Natural Fibre Rope Synthetic Fibre Rope Ropes can be made of 3 main materials : Natural Fibre (Example: Manila Hemp) They rot easily under harsh sun and wet conditions. The strength of such rope is also limited because natural fibres are relatively short. B. Synthetic Fibre (Example: Polyamide/Nylon) They are stronger and lighter than natural fibres of the same size Tend to be more slippery than natural fibre ropes More resilient to rot as they absorb less water or are waterproof C. Metal Wires Natural Fibre Rope Synthetic Fibre Rope

2. 8 Basic Knots Name of knots Descriptions 1 2 3 4 Thumb knot (Overhand knot) Once tied and put under strain , it is difficult to untie due to strain acting on one point. Act as a Stopper Knot 2 Figure of Eight Compared to thumb knot, it is easier to untie as there are more gaps, bends and cutting Act as a Stopper knot 3 Clove Hitch Commonly used to start off a lashing Used to tie a rope to a object 4 Bowline Forms an adjustable loop knot Often used to secure a rope to a ring

5 Sheet Bend Used for joining two ropes together , especially those of unequal thickness Quick and easy to tie and untie Can be future secured by making an additional turn, forming double sheet bend . 6 Sheep Shank To shorten the ropes without cutting them Also used to bypass worn section in centre of the knot, which will thus, not be under strain 7 Reef Knot Used to join two ropes of equal thickness Not as secured as it comes undone easily Used for parcel tying and First Aid Bandaging 8 Fisherman Knot Used to join slippery ropes or ropes with equal thickness. Made of 2 sliding thumb knots which will interlock with each other when strain is applied.

3.Lashings Name of Lashing Descriptions 1 2 3 Round Lashing Used to tie two poles of same size and materials together. It will not be secured enough if too many spars with poor orientation are tied together. 2 Square Lashing Used to join two spars together at 90 degree. To prevent spars from slipping over each other under heavy load. 3 Diagonal Lashing Used to join poles together at an angles other then right angles (90 Degrees) Start by a timber hitch

4 Shear Lashing Used to join 2 uneven spars together. Frapping is essential Can be fixed at any degrees after tying from 0 to 45 degrees 5 Gyn Lashing Used to join 3 or more spars together . Can be open up to form a stand.