Multi-Color Monkey Fist

This multi-colored monkey's fist I discovered while trying to find out a way to remove flaws in the original monkey's fist when making turns from one direction to the next. I realized by cutting the cord it enabled me to use different colors and take out the flaw. In the next step I added a diagram on how to create the original monkey's fist for those that may be attempting this for the first time and want to see the difference between mine and the original.

Step 1: The original monkey's fist

here you can see an illustration of a monkey's fist done all with one string. It was used originally as a heaving line for sailors.
This one we will create is more for decorative purposes.

Comments

[funsize07]

do you have to use a die or marble or something or can you do it without one?

[TripWir3]

You don't have to, however it would require large rope or cord. Traditionally, the monkey fist was tied without any center at the end of a rope aboard a ship to cast line from ship to ship or shore.

[slaveboy2000]

do you lose the die?

[jbmcck]

Yes the dice stays inside as a core!

[BLUEBLOBS2]

This looks AMAZING!
-BLUEBLOBS2

[applesaucemodifier]

This is brilliant! I once made a monkey fist with a bowling ball in the center and I used a jig made out of 2 by 4's, it never occurred to me to scale it down for small fists.

[Stryker Perry 13]

great instuctions i made this i call it a monkeys fist holing a cobra

[blueblobbs]

Thats amazing, it looks awesome.
-blueblobbs

[Grifter]

Cool. I'm a fan of the coat hanger fist maker (C.H.F.M.). pronounced: Chuffum

[bizshop]

Please post how to make a CHFM

[sokamiwohali]

Refer to step 3... :)

[Sting2373]

I have one of these I bought while living close to Ft. Campbell Ky. I have never been in the army and was always curious how they were made. Thanks for this...I do have some cord so I might just try it myself.

[mary candy]

I'm going to make a new one for me :)

[imthatguy1125]

 Heres mine I made with a golf ball in the middle

[freemanmang]

What kind of rope did you use on this fist?

[imthatguy1125]

clothline, nylon I think

[bamakatt]

Holy Moly!! After literally yeeears of trying to make a good looking Monkey's Fist out of paracord I FINALLY succeeded last week. Then got bored and went on to trying variations with other material. I have some real cool Type 1 military accessory cord with a diameter of 1/16" (we used to call it "dummy cord"). It was driving me BATTY trying to keep the wraps straight, especially once I added the steelie to the middle with my fat fingers (this stuff is so thin each side of the fist has SIX strands around a peewee size steelie). I was just about to resign myself to ANOTHER decade of trying to solve the problem till I saw this jig you made from an old hanger. THANK YOU!!! Worked like a charm and the finished product looks fan-freakin'-tastic. Only problem is now all my friends want me to make one for THEM

[chuckr44]

Very nice. To practice making my first monkey fist I used string. Wow it came out small. No wonder they use paracord or larger cord.

[dragonsniper]

how small was it lol

[splazem]

It looks great! I like all of the colors.

[reddevved]

People used to tell me the fist was the hardest knot to tie but it is actually not that hard.

[MECHOL]

Thanks for the toy cat

[reejac]

i made better

[ccobra]

well done well done '-' '-' '-' '-' '-' '-' '-' '-' '-'!

[Darthscout]

How Much Paracord ar you using for the monkey fist???????

[ac7ss]

I love making them as key-fobs (I use a 54cal lead shot in the core) Great idea with the wire tool. I will have to make one of those. (All this time I have been using my fingers.)

[Avocet Jules]

Wow!  This looks great!!  I can't wait to have a go myself!!  Thanks for the tips and the clear instructions!

[big-jamie]

 is there any reason you use dice instead of a sphere ?

[dombeef]

 It looks cleaner and it is easter to use(In my opinion)

[doughnutguy1]

CHICKEN is better

[dombeef]

Huh?
And also i spelled easier wrong

[ROBO-MAN007]

 NICE !!!! :)

[brendasplace]

Yours is so perfect and mine is so ugly. I think I need a little practice

[AznPanda]

wow fantastic pictures when i get rope ima do this :D

[joye18]

Very impressive. Great Pictures.

[Lorem]

Very nice tutorial, thank you....

[TripWir3]

I added pictures and steps.

[TripWir3]

I actually intend on taking better pictures and adding a few steps to better explain the process.

[Kiteman]

Nice - this would make a good light-pull or jacket toggle. Or even a replacement button on a duffel coat!

[gmjhowe]

Wow, that actually explains it very well, the pictures help the most. well done