How to tie various knots

Step 11 Reef Knot

The reef knot, or square knot, is used to tie a bundle of material together. It must be made around something - it should not be used to tie two free ropes together, because it can easily capsize.
It should not be used to make a loop, unless it can be tensioned around a solid object. It should not be used around a person - use a bowline instead. A capsized reef knot will slip easily and could constrict and cause severe injury.

Uses:
Reefing a sail (tying the unused portion around a spar)
Securing a furled sail to a spar (sail ties)
Wrapping a parcel
Tying shoelaces

Advantages:
May be made under moderate load

Disadvantages:
Capsizes (works free) if used improperly
Can seize up under load when wet

Tying the knot:

Capsizing a reef knot:

Comments

[jlhuge]

Great reference. You shouldn't forget the tautline hitch though. That's a great one for tying under load and when securing things like an awning.