Any Knot Tying Experts Out There???

Tolly

Tolly

Joined
Jan 1, 2006
Messages
555
I was playing around with some of my different ropes this evening and putting together another big box of various stuff for a 79' Blazer I just got through pretty much rebuilding as a frame off resto with hunting and general off-roading in mind(in other words, no fancy paint job, only functional parts). In my big supply boxes I always carry at least a few different ropes as well as a lot of smaller braided stuff and 550. As I was playing with the rope tonight I started wondering just what would be the best Load bearing knot to use in a situation where life or vital equipment would be dependent on the joining of two ropes or objects? I know that splices are always best but there might be times where it isn't feasible to make a splice, anyways, just wondered if we had any knot tying experts here on the boards that would care to comment?
 
I think that the figure-eight knot is dependable for joining two ropes of the same size. I use them a lot during rock climbing or caving.
 
Not to nit-pick but if you want to join two ropes of the same size the fig-8 bend is what you want.

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If the rope is synthetic a hunters bend or riggers bend with two half-hitches (half-hitchs not shown) is a better choice.

HuntersBend4.jpg
 
I agree that the figure 8 backed up with two half hitches is the best. Our Fire Department has also used a double fisherman with half hitch back-ups, but only for low angle situations.

Not only is the knot an important choice, but also make sure you are using the correct rope for your application. Also, knots and bends are the weakest points in a rope, meaning that a rope isn't as strong where it is knotted as it is in a straight line.
 
Thanks guys, the fig 8 is what I almost always use, never heard of a Hunter's bend though. Where is a good place to buy non utility type ropes? By that I mean climbing or rescue ropes. Most all of my rescue ropes are water rescue set ups in throw bags as that is what most of my training is in. I am not a pro rock climber and don't plan on taking it up anytime soon but I would like to maybe get some basic training and some quality ropes and gear for emergency use situation. Anyone know of a place for training in North Central Texas?
 
I'm much more of a fan of a double (triple) fisherman's knot. Perfectly suitable for load-bearing and climbing ropes.

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Tolly said:
Where is a good place to buy non utility type ropes? ............in North Central Texas?
Click to expand...

I stayed a couple months in Houston last year, and I saw a good collection of ropes and other climbing gears at REI store in Westheimer
 
Tolly, there are many good places to purchase 'life safety' ropes. i recommend looking at PMI (Pigeon Mountain Industries) http://www.pmirope.com/. They're a great company to deal with, and they carry a broad range of products.

Before you make any sort of rope equipment purchase, try to take an introductory class or two. Even if the class is at an indoor climbing gym, you'll get something out of it. Maybe even visit the climbing gym here and there to practice rope skills and talk to folks. I took a beginner's rock climbing class one summer, and spent the rest of the year going places with the store's portable rock climbing wall and crew. It was a lot of fun, and I learned a lot.

But please, talk to people and do your research. I've seen so many people who don't have a clue buy gear they don't know how to use properly. That is a recipe for disaster, and as much as you try to help some folks, they just 'know everything' already. Playing with rope gear in high-angle situations is dangerous. Use your head and be safe!

And be advised that there are different types of rope. Static, low-stretch, and dynamic are a few, and they all behave differently. Know their differences and applications.
 
A Carrick bend is good for a lot of things if you have time to tie it. Easy to untie and does not slip or strain the rope excessively. Sheet bends are quick to tie, fairly strong, and are less bulky, but extremely hard to undo if you strain them. They are better for ropes of differing sizes. The performance of these knots are only given for twisted rope, it will be different for braided ropes. I don't know any good bends for those. Of course, if you have the time, a short splice on a twisted rope is hard to beat, strength wise...
 
interlaced bowlines have always worked for me. make a square knot of the two lines, leaving plenty on the bitter end. then take the bitter ends and make up a bowline with its respective standing part
 
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