Andy Camper

Knots

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Tie a knot around this activity

Perhaps one of the handiest things to know when you’re exploring the great outdoors, is how to tie a knot or repair rope.  Tying strong and secure knots is really important.

Whether you need to tether a boat to a dock, tie down the canoe to the roof of the car, hang a clothesline, tie first aid bandages and slings, climb, build a shelter or hang a swing.

Terms

Bend:
Joins 2 ropes

Hitch:
Used to attach a rope to something else like a post

Splice:
Used to make an eye or a join without tying a knot.  It works on friction so it doesn’t weaken the rope as much as a knot

Whipping: 
A thin line used to stop the end of the rope from unraveling

Loop:
A complete turn with a crossover

Bight:
An incomplete loop

Stopper knot:
Stops a rope from being pulled through an eye.  Can also be used on a rope “ladder” to stop your feet or hands from slipping down the rope.

Swedish fid:
A grooved spike for splicing rope

Coil:
To twist a rope into a series of loops

Thimble:
A metal fitting put into an eye to reduce wear

Here are a few of the most useful knots to know.
Take some time to practice them before heading out – you know never when you might need one!

Other handy knot tips:

• Never store rope in the sun.  UV rays can weaken it.
• To keep your rope secure, always leave a long tail after tying your knot.
• Choose your knot wisely.  Some knots can reduce the strength of your rope by half!
• “Dress” your knot well so it doesn’t slip or put extra strain on your rope and weaken it.  Make sure there are no sharp bends in the knot.
• Be sure a knowledgeable adult inspects your knots for safety, especially when tying rope for climbing or rescue. Someone’s life depends on it!

Choosing rope:
The type of rope you use is just as important as the knot you tie. Different rope types are stronger than others.  Some are designed to float while others are made to sink.  Some are also heavier than others.

Natural fibres like Manilla and Sisal are light and cheap, but are weaker than man-made ones.  They also rot easily.  Use these only if security is not an issue and they won’t be left in the sun or rain for extended periods of time.

Synthetic rope like nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene and polyester are stronger than natural fibre rope and can be inexpensive.  Polypropylene and polyethylene float so they’re good for water and they’re cheap too.  Nylon and polyester are smooth ropes that stretch and are very strong.  Polyester/Terylene rope is heavy.

Exotic fibres like Spectra and Vectran are very strong ropes and don’t stretch but are quite expensive. These are good climbing ropes. Aramid rope weakens a lot when knotted and does not wear very well either.

ACTIVITY CODE: 106-1