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A Boy Scout’s motto is “be prepared” for whatever may arise.
This attitude is certainly worth incorporating into your own life, and a great place to start is by learning how to tie a rope knot. There are thousands of knots you can learn, but here are the 8 essential knots you should absolutely know:
The bowline knot gets its name from the bowline of a ship, and is one of the most common boating knots. It is great for many nautical uses, as it creates a very secure loop–perfect for tasks like attaching mooring lines. This knot can also be used to attach two ropes together by creating two interlinked bowline knots.
Step One: Take a rope and make an overhand loop, leaving enough of a tail on each end.
Step Two: Thread one tail end downward through the loop, wrapping it around behind the crossed tails of rope.
Step Three: Loop the tail back around the crossed rope, and back through the rope look, which will create a secondary fixed loop.
Step Four: Pull each tail tightly to form the secured knot.
A traditional sailing knot, the Figure 8 is great when you need to knot the end or middle of the rope. It’s a simple, quick, and effective way to put a stop or loop in a line of rope.
Step One: Form a loop with the rope tail.
Step Two: Still holding the tail, take the and wrap it behind the loop.
Step Three: To close the knot, thread the tail through the loop and pull tight
Another sweet and simple knot – the square knot is a great multi-purpose knot for joining two ropes, but should not be used for heavy duty projects.
Step One: Bend the first rope and create a horseshoe shaped loop.
Step Two: Taking the second rope, thread one end through the loop of the first rope
Step Three: Bring the second rope’s tail over the two tails of the first rope and thread it through the loop again.
Step Four: Pull both ropes tight to close the knot.
The sheet bend is similar to the square knot – it’s great for joining two ropes. If you’re joining two ropes of different diameters, the sheet bend knot is going to work much better than the square knot would.
Step One: Take the thicker of the ropes, and create a loop.
Step Two: Then thread the tail of the thinner rope through the loop.
Step Three: Still holding the thinner rope’s tail, wrap it around behind the loop.
Step Four: Thread the thinner rope’s tail under the base of the loop.
Another great boating knot! The double half hitch is a wonderfully versatile knot for mooring or moving large objects, such as logs or docks.
Step One: Wrap the rope around the object it is attaching to.
Step Two: Holding one tail of the rope, wrap it around the trailing tail and pull tight.
Step Three: Repeat to create the double half hitch.
The Trucker’s Hitch is the perfect knot when you need to carry a heavy load. Paired with nylon rope, the trucker’s hitch will provide just the right amount of strength and security.
Step One: Make a loop with the rope, crossing the two tails
Step Two: Twist the loop a couple of times.
Step Three: Take the tail end that is hanging down and pull it through the first loop.
The rolling hitch knot can attach rope to other ropes, railings posts, or any other fixed objects.
Step One: Wrap the rope around the fixed rope or object.
Step Two: Bring one tail of the rope up and over the fixed rope.
Step Three: Thread the tail underneath the wrapped area, and pull tight.
Despite its deceptive name, the double fisherman’s knot is not used for fishing but instead as a backup knot for mountain climbing.
Step One: Lay the two ropes side by side
Step Two: Wrap the end of one rope around the other rope twice
Step Three: Thread the tail through the coils you created
Step Four: Repeat with the opposite rope’s tail
You now know how to tie 8 essential rope knots! Keeping the Boy Scout motto in mind, it’s time to practice and hone your skills so you’ll always be prepared.
Looking for more ways to use rope knots? Learn how to Use QNR Ropes For Kayaking And Camping, or how to create a DIY Craft: Alternating Half Hitch Knot Bracelet.
Quality Nylon Rope is a leading manufacturer and distributor of rope and cord. Contact us today for expert advice and insights!
