When you have to let things slide....

[DOC-CANADA]

Sliding knots - used for applications where the knot jams and locks in place when tension is applied but is easy to adjust when tension is removed. For example, adjusting tarp ropes.

I'm (k)not going to list all the sliders, but just the ones I like and use.

For adjusting tarp ropes, etc., I usually use the Camel Hitch, but more recently have started to use the Adjustable Grip Hitch.

A very common type sliding knot is the Prusik knot. Probably most, if not all of you are familiar with the Prusik.

Another important slider is the snare noose.

And for all you four-eyed guys, here's a useful knot to remember- the Double Overhand Slider. Just the thing for holding your glasses on.

OK, I'm going to take a break before I do Specialty knots, but one thing that might help you. I have a sheet in Word Document with the knots I practice regularly. Most of them are hyperlinked to the picture of the knot, so if I forget how a certain knot ties, I click on the link and it takes me to the picture. I find this very useful. This is how part of it looks:

Doc

 

[vector001]

i like that Camel Hitch.

i usually do some variation on the Prusik Knot, but i'll have to give that one a try.

thanks, brother.

vec

 

[jca21]

thanks doc. i finally know the proper name for the prusik knot now.

 

[udtjim]

Good info Doc, thanks.

 

[mckrob]

I regularly use what you call the "double overhand sliding loop", I've always known it as a "fisherman's on a bight" as it is half of the "double fisherman's" which by the way is a fantastic knot for climbing and the strongest knot for joing two ropes together of unequal diameter.

I took a rescue/rappelling course years ago put on by some firefighters in Barrie, they made us tie the "figure 8", "figure 8 on a bight", and the "double fisherman's" over and over again until we could do it with our eyes closed, then they made us do it with our gloves on and eyes closed. This was great practice. They told us that these were the three knots we had to absolutely know. I have to admit, that since then, these are the knots I use the most!

Thanks for the info Doc.

 

[chopchop]

I have converted from tautlines to that adjustable grip hitch. I think it holds better, yet still easier to slide.

The noose is probably my most used sliding knot. I also use a version of a noose (called the "packer's knot" "http://www.oktroop17.org/knots/Packers_Knot.html") that is based on a figure 8 instead of an overhand knot.

Probably the most important/useful of the sliding knots not yet mentioned is this one: Canadian Jam knot

There is a thread by IAwoodsman somewhere that shows how useful & easy to tie this one is. I'll see if I can find it...
Here it is: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=687102

 

[Joezilla]

I'm going to try that double over hand sliding loop for the lizard noose line this summer. I may have to practice on the toys again though. Its at this point that Ash will most likely come in and shake her head at the site of her husband attempting to noose a toy dinosaur from 20 feet away.

 

[Rick Marchand]

Great stuff Doc..... You are a knotty boy.


Rick

 

[Pritch]

I anticipate the next thread title will be "Thirty Lashes for You!"

 

[coote]

Good stuff thanks Doc.

I've been using the tautline hitch a lot, but like you say it isn't all that easy to tie .... especially when the cord is already under tension and is of a small diameter. The trickiest part is to cross the second turn over the first turn as it always wants to lie neatly alongside the first turn instead of laying over it. (Not a clear description, but you will probably know what I mean).

I've seen what I think is that adjustable hitch being used, but I've never taken the time to learn it and experiment. But your picture is a good one and I think I've memorized it.

There are other knots that can be used for climbing like the Prusik, and they certainly seem to hold (eg: icicle hitch). But I think the prusik is more foolproof because it is easier to tell at a glance that it is tied properly.

 

[halo2]

Good knots!

The only problems with these threads is the strange looks I get when people see me staring at a ball of rope, fingers twisted up in loops, cursing and mumbling "no, that's not right...maybe it goes this way"

 

[the lone gunman]

Thanks Doc, Ive always used a Tautline hitch, But I like this adjustable grip hitch. It does seem to grip better.

 

[HikingMano]

Thanks Doc! :thumbup: Gonna need to give that adjustable grip hitch a try :thumbup:

 

[OldKnight]

Love that Camel Hitch. Thanks for the knowledge

 

[1066vik]

I learned the camel hitch as a "logger's hitch" working on a tree crew years back.