How to Tie a Sheep Shank Knot

Intro: How to Tie a Sheep Shank Knot

This knot is often used for stopping a rope from snapping when there is a fray. This knot only stays when the rope is being pulled from either side.

STEP 1:

First off, make a 'S' with the rope making sure that there is rope left over on either side of the 'S'.

STEP 2:

Make a loop at either end of the 'S' making sure that the loops goes underneath.

STEP 3:

Put the curves in the 'S' through the loops and pull the both sides of the rope tight.

STEP 4:

You have now completed the sheep shank.

Comments

[jessetrickett]

if you tuck each of the loose ends thru the holes on each end, you tie a bowline in each end making it impossible to come undone unless you untie it or the rope breaks.

[Cliff760]

The sheep shank is a great knot if you don't want to cut your rope, if done properly, I recommend using a second half hitch on each end but in the opposite direction of the first . This makes a clove hitch which makes the knot safer. The knot will stay tighter if tension is released , it may still come undone but it's not as likely

[pwl1114]

the example is fine. the knot itself, if you can call it a knot, sucks. never use it. if you need to shorten a rope or exempt a bad section of rope, there are other knots to use.

[Henge]

WARNING: This is a dangerous knot that is known to fail under pressure. It's recommended never to use this knot in a situation that personal injury can occur in the event of it's failure. Many campaigns exsist to eliminate this knot from the scouting repetoir. sorry.

[Lorddrake]

The sheep shank will stay tied as long as there is pressure on the knot.

The problem is if at any point the tension is relaxed the knot will unravel.

[Henge]

I like your instructable, though. Well done.

[stringstretcher]

I'll comment! Nice easy explanation :P

I learned the sheepshank by making three loops and laying them over each other and them pulling the centers out! Your way is easier to explain!

[duckman200]

can someone please leave a comment. I want feedback