View Full Version : What knots are essential to know
DD977GM2
09-27-2011, 20:18
Im a rock climber of almost 20 years and there are tons of knots to know and use and each have a specific purpose.
I was one of the main riggers for the Transformer Company I was working for awhile back. I rig crap up all the time on the rigs for the roughnecks who are green and have no idea what they are doing.
I use 4 main knots. A figure 8, Clove Hitch an Overhand knot. There is another knot I use, a Prusik knot for ascending lines or pulling a line taught that is spanning across say from a trailer to the rig floor.
In Climbing I use just the clove hitch and the figure 8 and a prusik and really nothing else since there are slings that are sewn and stronger then a knotted sling.
How many knots do you know and use, also what are the applications you use the knots for?
68Charger
09-27-2011, 20:34
Depends on the purpose- I learned knots mostly while boating and fishing- so a Bowline or a hitch (several variations...) are common knots I use...
but for reference: http://www.animatedknots.com/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com
they even have iPhone & Andriod apps!
Colorado Osprey
09-27-2011, 20:34
Being a scout leader and an old lake and ocean boater and fly/spin/bait fisher; there are lots of knots I know and use.
I think the single most used knots are the granny knot, half hitches (or multiples) and the square knot.
The half hitch, The sparktricians best friend.
Zombie Steve
09-27-2011, 21:02
I've only ever needed 4, but I'll be damned if I know what any of them are called.
Apprenticeship school, had to tie em all.
BPTactical
09-27-2011, 21:16
I went to mountaineering school eons ago and learned the prusik, sheepshank, bowlin and a slew of others I can't remember. Realistic use- bowlin, square, log hitch, overhand.
I can even tie my shoes if I remember bunny ears!
To know knots is not a bad thing.
Naughty me[Coffee]
mcantar18c
09-27-2011, 21:42
the double figure 8, clove hitch, and the overhand knot are all I've ever used for climbing.
Those, plus this one that ties down and holds really well, and another one that's like a self-tightening slipknot are all I know and all I'v ever really needed.
DD977GM2
09-27-2011, 21:43
the double figure 8, clove hitch, and the overhand knot are all I've ever used for climbing.
Those, plus this one that ties down and holds really well, and another one that's like a self-tightening slipknot are all I know and all I'v ever really needed.
Do you mean the typical figure 8 you tie into the rope with through your harness?
I learned some from animatedknots.com like was posted above. I tried tying knots every night for a week to learn them, but I forgot them all immediately. I've got a print out of knots in my bug out bag though. I guess I'll have to refresh soon.
Mick-Boy
09-27-2011, 21:55
For climbing I would add the double fisherman's knot (http://www.animatedknots.com/doublefishermans/index.php) and the butterfly knot (http://www.animatedknots.com/alpinebutterfly/).
argonstrom
09-27-2011, 22:00
I try knot to pick up transvestite hookers.
race4hills
09-27-2011, 22:16
Back when I was on the fire department in Walden, for low angle rescue, we had to know, figure 8, clove hitch, half hitch, overhand, bowline and prusik.
DD977GM2
09-27-2011, 22:21
For climbing I would add the double fisherman's knot (http://www.animatedknots.com/doublefishermans/index.php) and the butterfly knot (http://www.animatedknots.com/alpinebutterfly/).
For the double fisherman's knot for connecting 2 ropes, I use the figure 8 either make the 8 in one end of the rope and use the other rope and follow it back through or I will make the figure 8 with the loop and then tie the other rope with the same figure 8 basically have the loops linked.
Hope this makes sense.
I have heard of people having their double fisherman's coming undone or almost undone and this is why I dont use that.
The butterfly is a great knot for alpine climbing and can be used as an impromptu anchor to grab the snow etc if both climbers roped in fall.
The double figure 8 is called a Flemish knot and is easier to "break" open after a fall. It also retains more of the ropes strength (about 85%) as does a bowline or double bowline.
Grapevine knot. Best for tying two ropes together.
Half windsor. Makes the best looking knot for a tie.
Surgeon's Knot. Best for tying hooks to line.
What are you using a clove hitch for? I used to prusik once a year just to reaffirm that I don't like to prusik.
Lately, the two half hitch gets used for about 95% of my knot tying.
How many knots do I know? Lots. Not bragging, just a hobby.
mcantar18c
09-27-2011, 23:06
Do you mean the typical figure 8 you tie into the rope with through your harness?
Yeah pretty much. The person that taught me the ropes (pun) always called it a double figure 8, after you pass the rope through the harness and double it back through the figure 8, so that's just what I've always called it.
DD977GM2
09-27-2011, 23:09
The double figure 8 is called a Flemish knot and is easier to "break" open after a fall. It also retains more of the ropes strength (about 85%) as does a bowline or double bowline.
Grapevine knot. Best for tying two ropes together.
Half windsor. Makes the best looking knot for a tie.
Surgeon's Knot. Best for tying hooks to line.What are you using a clove hitch for? I used to prusik once a year just to reaffirm that I don't like to prusik.
Lately, the two half hitch gets used for about 95% of my knot tying.
How many knots do I know? Lots. Not bragging, just a hobby.
I would use the clove hitch as a means to tie into my belay station anchors as a backup only. I would usually put 2 extra pieces of gear wether a cam or stoppers and equalize them and tie in with the rope from my harness just as a backup to my sling I used for connecting into anchors. On climbs we went fast and loose, I would ditch the sling for clipping into anchors etc for this method and it would be one less item I had while trying to climb fast and hard. Works well in Red Rocks near Vegas.
Also I have used clove hitches to tie off buckets of tools or whatever at work. At times even myself as a back up from the fall protection harness to keep me in position if I was working over the side of a transformer.
Buckaroobonsai
09-27-2011, 23:10
Kids nowadays like bagels. I'm old school 5-0, I prefer "Dough-knots".
[Coffee]
Thanks for putting up a link to the animated knots website. I've been puzzling over the bowline on a bight for a while. Trying to learn it from an single illustration from an uglys reference. Funny how easy it is when you see it tied in a sequence.
Depends on the purpose- I learned knots mostly while boating and fishing- so a Bowline or a hitch (several variations...) are common knots I use...
but for reference: http://www.animatedknots.com/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com
they even have iPhone & Andriod apps!
I would use the clove hitch as a means to tie into my belay station anchors as a backup only. I would usually put 2 extra pieces of gear wether a cam or stoppers and equalize them and tie in with the rope from my harness just as a backup to my sling I used for connecting into anchors. On climbs we went fast and loose, I would ditch the sling for clipping into anchors etc for this method and it would be one less item I had while trying to climb fast and hard. Works well in Red Rocks near Vegas.
Also I have used clove hitches to tie off buckets of tools or whatever at work. At times even myself as a back up from the fall protection harness to keep me in position if I was working over the side of a transformer.
Guess I'm missing something on the belay setup. The only time I'd use a clove hitch would be to moor a boat. Not saying it's wrong, just not picturing it.
I climbed for thirteen years. Spent a few days in red Rocks too. [Coffee] Mostly went to the New River and Seneca Rocks.
DD977GM2
09-28-2011, 00:05
Guess I'm missing something on the belay setup. The only time I'd use a clove hitch would be to moor a boat. Not saying it's wrong, just not picturing it.
I climbed for thirteen years. Spent a few days in red Rocks too. [Coffee] Mostly went to the New River and Seneca Rocks.
I take say 3ft of the rope tied to my harness via a fig 8. and make a clovehitch attached to a regular carabiner and attach the biner to the equalized pieces of protection or sometimes just one piece of pro.
http://www.animatedknots.com/clove/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com
I take say 3ft of the rope tied to my harness via a fig 8. and make a clovehitch attached to a regular carabiner and attach the biner to the equalized pieces of protection or sometimes just one piece of pro.
http://www.animatedknots.com/clove/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com
Ok, I get it. The clove hitch is tied to/in the biner.
Mick-Boy
09-28-2011, 01:01
I must be missing something on that. The way I understand it, it sounds like a very dangerous way to tie in to an anchor.
BigNick73
09-28-2011, 01:16
I dont rock climb but use square, bowlin, and taughtline hitch for work. inproved cinch and noose for fishing, (in case you're wondering the noose works great for heavy braided line, where cinch knots tend to get pulled loose, was more saltwater/offshore fishing before I moved here).
I can also tie a monkey's fist but it's more for shits and giggles than needing to transfer lines.
DD977GM2
09-28-2011, 02:18
Ok, I get it. The clove hitch is tied to/in the biner.
Yep and when i go light and fast, I will connect the clovehitch to every single piece of gear to alleviate the number of slings I carry and makes for fast belay station set ups.
DD977GM2
09-28-2011, 02:20
I must be missing something on that. The way I understand it, it sounds like a very dangerous way to tie in to an anchor.
It really isnt, the clove hitch properly done is very strong and you never untie from the rope as its tied to your harness and done right you can equalize at least 2 pieces of gear. The drawback is that your basically tieing into th anchor station in series and if one goes it drastically alters the angles to the gear your tied into.
when stage rigging i use 3 knots all the time
bowline , clove hitch , timber hitch
Let's bring this thread back up. I've recently learned the bowline; and by that I mean that now I can do it correctly without consulting instructions, and have been able to for a few months. I've found it incredibly useful, and wish I knew it sooner. The reason I'm bringing this thread up, is I was wondering if people could post some real life examples of how/when/where/why they use the knots they say they use. I've found that if I want to tie some piece of gear to something, the bowline is useful to me. Can we get some examples?
ETA: I am LOVING that Alpine loop knot.
GilpinGuy
05-05-2013, 03:14
Just fly fishing for me: Arbor, Albright, Nail, Surgeons and Clinch Knots.
What do you use an Arbor not for besides a snare?
Edit: Never mind, found the set-up for fly fishing and it showed the Arbor as the anchor to the reel.
Boadie30
05-05-2013, 05:40
The one knot I find the most useful when I need it is the twine knot..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvblQWNFdy4&feature=player_embedded
I know how to tie my shoes. And a fishing knot or two which I Dont know names of....we Dont use much rope flying a metal tube through the air.
skullybones
05-05-2013, 07:42
I also use the Clove hitch to tie into anchors. You forgot to add that this hitch allows easy readjustment when unweighted.
Why do you Prusik at work? I would think a set of ascenders would be a lot less hassle. Or do you just like the simplicity of the prusik.
I have never seen a double or triple fishermans not come undone when tied properly. Though I have seen them tied wrong as well.
My understanding is that this is a self tightening knot.
I know how to tie my shoes. And a fishing knot or two which I Dont know names of....we Dont use much rope flying a metal tube through the air.
That might change if you ever start flying cargo that has the tendency to have a "load shift," because it doesn't buckle itself in when you tell it too. heh.
SideShow Bob
05-05-2013, 08:21
The half hitch, The sparktricians best friend.
You should be using bowlines, weaving mare's tails and weaving eyelets in rope to make pulling through conduits easier. Half hitches around wire in a tight space is a bit**h.
Or you must be a narrow back that only does new work............[Coffee]
BushMasterBoy
05-05-2013, 08:45
Hangmans noose...for dealing with crooked politicians.
SA Friday
05-05-2013, 15:35
Just fly fishing for me: Arbor, Albright, Nail, Surgeons and Clinch Knots.
Same for me, but I don't use the Albright, sometimes use a double-uni and use a lot of perfection loops. If I don't use a Nail knot, I strip the floating material and insert a piece of 30lb line into the mesh center of the floating line and secure with knot glue. Super strong and doesn't snag on the eyes.
Had to know all knots when I was a punkin in Iron Workers to become journeyman.
Let's bring this thread back up. I've recently learned the bowline; and by that I mean that now I can do it correctly without consulting instructions, and have been able to for a few months. I've found it incredibly useful, and wish I knew it sooner. The reason I'm bringing this thread up, is I was wondering if people could post some real life examples of how/when/where/why they use the knots they say they use. I've found that if I want to tie some piece of gear to something, the bowline is useful to me. Can we get some examples?
ETA: I am LOVING that Alpine loop knot.
Now work on the;
Bowline on a bite
Double bowline
One handed bowline
Flemish/double figure 8
I use a two half hitch all the time.
I hauled canoes one summer. All the trailers were set up the same way. CHEAP! Three strand hemp rope was all there was to hold the canoes on the trailer. It's a version of the Trucker's hitch. I still use this set up on top the car, packing the trailer or cinching down slash.
http://wildernessmedicine.wikispaces.com/file/view/overhand_on_a_bight.jpg/237522773/512x340/overhand_on_a_bight.jpg
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRgjYQOGR2gJnlqyRRbYVffYz3_RfX9m TtvXn9OExkQW4UeY_Eb
Most of the knots I know are associated with saltwater fishing. -here are a few that are good to know:
-Bimini twist
-Albright
-Palomar
-perfection loop
-improved clinch
-Uni-knot (both single, and back-to-back)
-spider hitch
-FG knot
-slim beauty knot
Aloha_Shooter
05-05-2013, 18:55
As a Scout leader, I teach and use a wide variety a lot: square knot, clove hitch, half-hitches (in multiples), tautline, bowline, figure 8, timber hitch, surgeon's knot, square lashing, tripod lashing, round lashing, slip knot, etc. Probably the most universally useful (IMO) are the square knot, bowline, clove hitch, half-hitches, slip knot, and shoelace bow.
Don't forget splicing. We were given a length of rope and told to make a belt using three splices.
Aloha_Shooter
05-05-2013, 19:57
I don't use splicing as much anymore since I frequently use paracord these days but I find myself doing backsplices anytime I find twisted rope with loose ends.
I'm not sure why you'd need three splices for a belt -- most common way I've seen for making rope belts was eyesplice around a wooden toggle and another larger eyesplice that you could slip the toggle through and lock against.
In keeping with the request that resurrected this thread, I use the bowline anytime I want a loop that won't slip -- that includes mooring boats and tying gear down on a truckbed. Haven't had to use it as a rescue knot yet (knocking on wood).
I'll use the clove hitch to tie up on any bar, pole or tree. I don't do surgery so my primary uses of the surgeon's knot are for cooking (tying up roasts) and fishing. Tautline and two (or three or four) half-hitches is to tie off to something but let me take up or let out some slack -- I use them frequently when putting up flies, used them more frequently in cooking when I was making a stew or similar one-pot meal over a campfire. Of course, I also use the tripod lashing in those cases :D.
The square knot is of course all-purpose as is the slip knot.
I was looking at the eyesplice earlier, and that seemed pretty useful. I did something similar when I made this rock sling:
http://slinging.org/index.php?page=making-a-braided-sling-an-illustrated-guide
I've actually made three of them now.
BlasterBob
05-08-2013, 13:32
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/bobjan/Tyingknots001.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bobjan/media/Tyingknots001.jpg.html)
clublights
05-08-2013, 14:03
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/bobjan/Tyingknots001.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bobjan/media/Tyingknots001.jpg.html)
God I've not seen one of those in YEARS ...
I have a piece of paper printed out like that, bit would love to have that. Where can I get one Bob?
God I've not seen one of those in YEARS ...
Judging by the faded red rope it hasn't been used in years.
The best book for knot tying, that I have found, is "The Art of Knotting & Splicing". It can be found on Amazon. If you look in the right places, there are full online versions.
Splicing. Maybe too vintage now but worth learning. Our belts usually an eye splice, end splice and short/long splice. Wearing it as a belt was more of a way to show you had learned and done it. Did the same thing in my Wood Badge course.
clublights
05-08-2013, 19:58
I have a piece of paper printed out like that, bit would love to have that. Where can I get one Bob?
http://www.scoutstuff4sale.com/servlet/the-90/Boy-Scout-40-Knot/Detail
even better
http://www.scoutstuff.org/kit-knot-tying.html
clublights
05-08-2013, 21:43
Thanks.
you might beable to pick one up at the local scout council office... not sure on that tho .
missionxo
05-08-2013, 21:46
I could make 5 survival bracelets and forget the simple knot a few days later
I could make 5 survival bracelets and forget the simple knot a few days later
That's generally how I am, until I actually tie the knot for a purpose; which is why I asked how people were using them. I've had a printed list of knots for years now, but failed to memorize them.
ANADRILL
05-09-2013, 07:43
You need to know knot to vote dem....only knot I need...
BlasterBob
05-09-2013, 07:53
I have a piece of paper printed out like that, bit would love to have that. Where can I get one Bob?
Really don't know where we could find another one of these. I have had it for about 30+ years and have never taken the strings off the cardboard. The orange colored string used to be bright RED so you know it's old -- even older than me [blaster]
Aloha_Shooter
05-09-2013, 08:02
I've seen similar knot cards at the Scout shops and occasionally at book stores.
Bowline, square, figure 8, and another I can't remember the name of but it's used to join 2 ends of something flat (like tubular nylon) together.
RonMexico
05-09-2013, 09:30
Bowline, square, figure 8, and another I can't remember the name of but it's used to join 2 ends of something flat (like tubular nylon) together.
Water or water tape knot
Katastrophic
05-10-2013, 21:45
I use the surgeons knot all of the time in my knitting.... I know that using knots of any kind in knitting are frowned upon, but after hours of work I'll be damned if it comes apart, especially if I'm making something for kids.
I also use a few knots who's names I don't know for fly tying and fishing.
I always make up knots to finish off sewing projects. I really should learn a real one..
I'm a lineman apprentice so I use a lot of knots everyday bowline, square, clove, timber hitch, half hitches, monkey fist, grunts knot, have to know how to make short splice, butt splice, and an eye splice for my journeyman's test.
Learning the square lashing by building a rectangular bird trap. 12 knots down, 12 to go. That's a good way to learn a knot, tying it 24 times in a row to build something.
I use the surgeons knot all of the time in my knitting.... I know that using knots of any kind in knitting are frowned upon, but after hours of work I'll be damned if it comes apart, especially if I'm making something for kids.
I also use a few knots who's names I don't know for fly tying and fishing.
my wife needs to hang out with you!
what knot would you guys recommend to try rope to my boat anchor? relatively thick rope and not easy bending.
tie a bowline, if the rope comes undone make it go back through itself.
DSB OUTDOORS
05-12-2013, 20:19
what knot would you guys recommend to try rope to my boat anchor? relatively thick rope and not easy bending.
Call me crazy!! But I use the "Hangman's Noose" for my anchor. Strong, tight, and Very cool looking! Also you can't beet the "Palomar knot" Only knot I use for fishing!
I have a ladder I want to tie onto my roof rack. Should I be using a bowline on one end, and a clove hitch on the other end? Clove hitch on both ends? Trucker's Knot?
Everything I know about knots, a former platoon sergeant told me. "If you don't know how to tie a knot, tie a lot."
Firehaus
09-04-2014, 21:31
I have a great knot app for my phone. Grog knots.
Sent from my iPhone
I've been familiar with AnimatedKnots.com for years, but I have a difficult time figuring out when/where you would use a knot. I think Ah Pook tried to answer a similar question for me in this thread a few pages/years ago.
Grogs knots is great.
Clove hitches can slip under heavy load but just tying a ladder they work fine and theyre quick
I have a ladder I want to tie onto my roof rack. Should I be using a bowline on one end, and a clove hitch on the other end? Clove hitch on both ends? Trucker's Knot?
Trucker's knot. Best for cinching.
Hope you're not posting this in the HD parking lot and waiting for a response.
SideShow Bob
09-04-2014, 21:43
what knot would you guys recommend to try rope to my boat anchor? relatively thick rope and not easy bending.
Pass the rope through the anchor and weave about 6" of the the free end back into the rope forming an eye splice. The harder it gets pulled, the tighter the weave gets.
Pass the rope through the anchor and weave about 6" of the the free end back into the rope forming an eye splice. The harder it gets pulled, the tighter the weave gets.
I was always taught 4 "braids" was enough.
Hope you're not posting this in the HD parking lot and waiting for a response.
I used straps until I can effectively and correctly use the Trucker's knot. The time I bought a ladder from Skully, he politely BS'd with me in the parking lot while I tried to use animatedknots.com from my cell to remember how to do the correct knot. I don't think I ever did, but I made it home okay.
I used straps until I can effectively and correctly use the Trucker's knot. The time I bought a ladder from Skully, he politely BS'd with me in the parking lot while I tried to use animatedknots.com from my cell to remember how to do the correct knot. I don't think I ever did, but I made it home okay.
Is that the POS ladder Skully was trying to sell, with half the rungs missing? [hammer]
Used a Trucker's knot today to help bring down a tree. It couldn't fall into the neighbor's yard. Cinched it up to another tree and started cutting.
Funny you mention that, while you were typing that response, I was watching this video that described exactly what you were doing today.
tvgFyqFZK54
Is that the POS ladder Skully was trying to sell, with half the rungs missing? [hammer]
Used a Trucker's knot today to help bring down a tree. It couldn't fall into the neighbor's yard. Cinched it up to another tree and started cutting.
How did I get brought into this?
.....and what is this "half the rungs missing" shit? trying to slander my poor reputation?
[Coffee]
Skully, everyone knows you are a ladder whore and trade them like baseball cards.
This is the best video I've found for a trucker's hitch so far, so I'm going to leave it right here for myself, for the next time I ask this very same question. [hammer]
drkcOzCjuuU
Skully, everyone knows you are a ladder whore and trade them like baseball cards.
This is the best video I've found for a trucker's hitch so far, so I'm going to leave it right here for myself, for the next time I ask this very same question. [hammer]
drkcOzCjuuU
Isn't that guy in the video "Thunder" from "BIG Trouble in little China?"
Same accent and hair style even after all these years. :)
http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4153/5200513801_b0169fe3b4_z.jpg
I use a lot of knots at work as a journeyman lineman like a bowline, clove hitch, half hitch, square knot, timber hitch, stopper knot, monkeys fist, burner knot, few splices like a but, short, and eye splice. You can't pass the jl test without knowing almost all of these.
SideShow Bob
09-05-2014, 12:22
I was always taught 4 "braids" was enough.
An extra 2" never hurt........ I know, that's what she said.......
Lex I saw you, and others, past about the journeyman thing. You are referring to being an electrician right? How does tying knots work into being an electrician?
SideShow Bob
09-05-2014, 16:16
Lex I saw you, and others, past about the journeyman thing. You are referring to being an electrician right? How does tying knots work into being an electrician?
Not a narrow back, a lineman electrician. Outdoors and getting high on the job. Up to about 100 ft. depending on the job and reach of the bucket truck.
But he won't be one for long if he keeps seeing comets...........[Tooth]
Ahhh, makes more sense. Thank you.
Hey now Bob don't be jealous cause I see comets it's a lineman thing, lol! Yep Irving, I work on over head and underground power lines I'm a lineman not electrician 90% or more don't know the difference.
I have a couple of knots apps, my favorite is, "Knots 3D". It animates the knots and allows you to rotate in 3D to see what it looks like at all angles.
Also have a deck of playing cards, with a different knot on each card.
One of my favorites is the 'constrictor' knot, a variation on the clove hitch.
I think a Portuguese bowline is a cool knot if you looking to lift/pull something that is not balanced weight.
Isn't that guy in the video "Thunder" from "BIG Trouble in little China?"
Same accent and hair style even after all these years. :)
http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4153/5200513801_b0169fe3b4_z.jpg
Naw. It's on of these two.
http://38.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqstifpr6H1qg39ewo1_500.gif
http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view6/4472742/take-him-to-detroit-o.gif
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