Knots

Bowline The most useful and one of the simplest ways of putting a fixed loop in the end of a rope. It is easy to tie and to untie, it never slips nor jams and has a high breaking strength. It has been called the 'King of Knots'.

Sheepshank A knot tied in the bight for shortening a rope or taking up the slack, without cutting it. It can also be used to protect a weak, damaged or frayed section of the rope.

Sheet Bend A bend is used to join two lengths of rope together by their ends. A Sheet Bend is a most useful and practical knot for bending (tying) two ropes together. Note that to be correct, the two ends should be on the same side of the knot. If the two ropes differ in thickness, a Double Sheet Bend should be used.

Reef Knot The best known and most useful parcel knot. It should preferably only be tied with the two ends of the same material, but should never be used as a bend. It is the best knot for tying a triangular bandage.

Clove Hitch A hitch is used to tie a rope to or around an object. This may be a pioneering pole, a tree or a spar. The Clove Hitch is the nearest there is to a general utility hitch. It is easy to tie in a number of different ways and to untie. It has a wide variety of uses but care should be taken not to misuse it: it is so easy to use it when a more suitable hitch (e.g. a Rolling Hitch etc.) would serve better.

Overhand Loop on the Bight An overhand loop is a quick and easy way to create a loop at the end of a rope. It is easy to tie and useful when pegging out ropes or guys. To increase security, a stopper at the end of the loose rope end can be tied.

Figure-of-Eight on the Bight The double eight is a knot used by climbers. It is easy to tie and used when connecting ropes to a system of ground anchors or karabiner. When used for climbing there should be a stopper at the end of the loose rope end.

Knots Challenge. Your mission – Rescue The Leader Attaching your rope at one end safely to the spar – securely join the series of ropes provided to make one single length long enough to recover the Leader at the far end of the hall. The Leader will need to be secured in a loop that will not tighten or constrict as he is pulled to your end of the hall. Note however, that one of your ropes is frayed and damaged at various points (marked in red tape) and you must protect these areas so that the rope is strong enough for the task.