Basic Knots

Stopper Knots

General functions:

Prevent ends of ropes from fraying
To stop rope from slipping through a knot or hole
To add weight to a particular point of the rope
To provide a handhold (e.g. it is tied at regular intervals of lifelines as multiple handholds, to prevent the rope from slipping through the hands)

Practical Application:

To stop the end of a sewing thread from passing through the eye of the needle

Types of Stopper Knots:

Thumb knot
Figure-of-Eight knot

Thumb knot

Steps:

Form an overhand loop near the end of the rope
Bring the working end under the loop formed
Thread the working end through the loop from beneath
Pull both ends to tighten the knot, forming the thumb knot or overhand knot

Figure-of-Eight knot

Steps:

Form an underhand loop near the end of the rope
Bring the working end over the standing end as shown, forming literally, a figure-of-eight
Bring the working end below the first underhand loop created, or in other words, the top half of the "eight" formed
Thread the working end through the underhand loop from beneath
Pull both ends tightly to form the figure-of-eight knot

Comparison between Thumb Knot & Figure-of-Eight Knot:

The figure-of-eight knot is stronger than the thumb knot. The figure-of-eight knot is bulkier (more area) than the thumb knot. When force acts on the knot, the force is spread over a larger surface area. Hence, the pressure or stress is less for a given force (Using the formula: Pressure = Force / Area)
The figure-of-eight knot is easier to untie as compared to the thumb knot. The figure-of-eight knot has more bends and cuts thus creating more gaps which make it easier to untie.

Loop Knots

General function: A knot that primarily uses the loop formed in its function.

Bowline knot

Function: Creates an un-adjustable loop that does not jam or slip easily despite being under severe strain.

Note:

However, it may not hold, if very rigid and slippery ropes are used.
For extra security, tie a stopper knot or 2 half hitches around the loop.

Practical Application:

Rescue purposes by reeling somebody when they fall in a hole

How to check:

The working end (when tying) should lie within the bight, π (i.e. ‘pi’) shape can be seen on one side, shape of the triangle can be seen on the other side.

Manharness knot

Function: The loop acts as a handle for hauling of objects

Provides an alternative to tie a loop in the middle of a rope instead of at the end

Practical Application:

Halyard loop for flagstaff

How to check:

Loop in between 2 parallel lines, π shape, dressed knot should not capsize when force is applied

How to tie:

‘Pretzel’ method
Threading method

Bends

General function: For joining two ropes together

Reef knot

Function: To join two ropes together, typically ropes of equal diameter

Steps: “Right over Left; Left over Right”

Note:

Check that it is a flat knot, with both working ends on the same side
Capsizes when the standing end (A) and working end (B) from the same rope are pulled apart

Practical Application:

Parcel tying
First-aid bandaging

How to check:

Flat knot (presence of interlocking mechanism), has both working ends on the same side

Sheet bend knot

Function: To join two ropes, especially ropes of unequal diameters

The thicker rope forms the “U”-shape, with working ends on the same side
It can be further secured by making an additional turn, forming double sheet bend

Practical Application:

To attach a flag to a halyard

How to check:

The working ends of the finished product are on the same side.

Diameter of ropes when joining:

The thicker rope is used to form the U shape so that when tightened, the thinner rope would seize, sink and bite onto the thicker rope more efficiently, hence the knot will not loosen easily.
It is also of less hassle to thread the thinner rope around the thicker rope, than vice versa.

Shortening Formations

General function: To shorten ropes without cutting them

Sheepshank

Function: To shorten the rope without cutting, and to bypass worn sections of the rope

Position the worn section in the centre of the knot, such that it will not be under strain when the knot is loaded
When unloaded, the knot is easily undone
Can be tied using the ‘S method’ (figure below) or the ‘3-loops’ method

Practical Application:

Used in nautical and maritime operations where ropes are costly or where cutting is not feasible (e.g. a rope tied to the shore or ships)

How to check:

3 parallel lines in the middle of the knot and 2 half hitches with both ends of the rope on opposite sides of the knot.

How to tie:

S method
3-loops method

Chain knot

Function: To shorten ropes without cutting, especially ropes of small diameter.

Made up of a series of slip knots. Hence it can be undone quickly with pull.
To prevent the knot from undoing, insert the working end into the final loop.

Practical Application:

Shortening of bootlaces

General Function: Used to tie a rope to an object e.g. spar, pole or ring

How to check:

Ensure that the slip knot is tied by grabbing the working end instead of the standing end. End the chain knot by entering the remaining part of the working end into the last loop formed.

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