knots

Terminology

Bend. A knot used to join two ropes.
Binding knot. A knot that constricts a line/object, with the ends joined or tucked under the turns of a knot.
Hitch. A knot that joins a rope to an object (ring, rail, post etc).
Friction hitch. A knot that binds one rope to another and that allows for re-positioning.
Jamming. A knot that jams(difficult to untie) after use.
Non-jamming. A knot that tightens when under load, but that doesn't jam.
Loop knot. A knot used to create a closed circle.
Standing end. The part of a rope that is not made into a knot.
Working end. The part of a rope that is made into a knot.

Knots to learn to tie behind your back:

• Name: Square knot (or reef knot)
• Type: Binding(friction)
• Function: Secures a line around an object. Not suitable with lines of different diameters, not as secure as a bend(unless additional knots are used).
• Marine use: Used to secure a reef in a sail.

• Name: Sheet Bend
• Type: Bend
• Function: Joins lines of different diameters, can work loose when there is no load (for extra strength make a double sheet bend)
• Marine use: Used to extend a line, to make a tow rope, etc.

• Name: Round turn and two half-hitches
• Type: Hitch
• Function: Secures a line to a fixed object
• Marine use: Used to tie a dockline around a bull rail, or post.

• Name: Bowline
• Type: Loop
• Function: Makes a fixed loop at the end of a line. This is a non-jamming knot. With certain materials, can work its way loose when there is no load.
• Marine use: Used to secure the working end of a sheet to the clew of a headsail.

• Name: Double fisherman's knot
• Type: Bend
• Function: Makes a secure closed loop. This knot is made up of 2 knots that slide together when tightened, to form the final knot (kids use this knot to make simple adjustable bracelets).
• Marine use: Used to make a closed loop to use with a prusik knot to climb the mast.

• Name: Rolling hitch
• Type: Hitch
• Function: Used to tie one rope to another, or to a pole, for lengthwise pull along an object rather than for a pull at right angles (works for a single direction of pull). It is effective for moderate loads, won't hold as well with modern slippery synthetic ropes (use gripping sailor's hitch instead).
• Marine use: Used to pull a line lengthwise, say to take pressure off a sheet in the event of a jam.

• Name: Gripping sailor's hitch
• Type: Hitch
• Function: Used to tie a rope to an object, or to another rope. This knot doesn't jam, and won't slip when pulled lengthwise along the object. It has more grip than a rolling hitch, even on tapered objects and performs well with synthetic ropes.
• Marine use: Used to pull a line lengthwise with a heavy load at the end, like an anchor rode.

• Name: Prusik knot
• Type: Hitch, binding(friction).
• Function: Used to attach a loop of cord around a rope, it locks onto the rope when under load, but slips up and down well when the load is released.
• Marine use: Used instead of ascenders to climb a mast, doesn't damage the rope it is secured to when sliding.

• Name: Figure-8 Follow-Through knot
• Type: Hitch
• Function: When climbing, it connects you to the end of the ropes: the standing end would be wound into a figure-eight follow-through knot onto a climbing harness, and the working end would go through a top rope.
• Tying it: Make a figure-eight knot about 60-76 cm (24-30 in) from the standing end, then feed the rope back through the knot, following the pattern in reverse, leaving a 30 cm (12 in) tail. Secure the tail with an overhand knot as a security and tighten the knot. A trick to quickly make a figure eight is to grab the rope, letting the two ends hang down, and to twist it over itself twice, then you can feed the standing end through the top loop to create the figure eight.
• Marine use: Used to secure a safety line to a climbing harness when getting up the mast. It is safer than using a bosun's chair.