Knots to Know

This is a quick guide to help you learn the bare essential knots that everyone should know before they go hiking or camping. Nothing extreme, just easy knots that should be used to avoid using bad knots, e.g.

The May knot: it May not hold anything.

The Hatchet knot: your going to need a hatchet to get it out.

This guide is brought to you by a group of students currently studying technical writing.

Equipment needed:

Any available line will work to practice these knots, but the correct line to use for your outdoor needs varies from nylon to manila.

Basic parts of a knot:

We will refer to the load bearing side of the line as the "live" end, and the portion of line that is left over from completing the knot as the "dead" end. The knots illustrated are done with a right hand and left hand perspective for ease of learning. The square knot is an exception to this though, since all operations to make the square knot require a live end in both hands.

Precautions:

Any and all knots whether for securing a load, hoisting tools, rescue operations or even keeping food away from wild animals should all be tied with care. Also, the more curves and bends you put in a knot, the weaker it gets.

Steps 1 through 6: The Bowline

This knot is used for many applications, and can easily be untied, which is one of the bigger reasons to use it.

Steps 7 through 10: The Clove Hitch

This knot works best when securing a line that is holding a load for you. Again, it comes apart easy, and is quick.

Steps 11 through 15: The Square Knot

This knot is great for tying two lines together, if you have only short line sections to work with and need a longer line. Easily comes apart by pushing the knot into itself, or can be left permanently. The two sets of pictures per step can be used for Left hand or right hand interpretation.

Step 16:

Practice, and always use responsibly.

Step 1: The Bowline

Step 2: Put the Dead End Through the Loop From the Back Side

Step 3: Wrap Around the Live End

Step 4: Run the Dead End Back Through the Loop

Step 5: Pull Tight

That's bowline for ya.

Step 6: The Fastest Bowline in the World

Watch carefully, throw the dead end around, up and over the live end. Then pull the loop in your right hand through the loop in your left hand (right hand video). Or pull the loop in your left hand through the loop in your right hand (left hand video), and pull tight.

This one is just for good fun.

Step 7: The Clove Hitch

Step 8: Throw the Line Over and Cross Your First Wrap of the Line

Step 9: Bring Your Line Up and Put the Dead End Under Your Crossed Line

Step 10: Pull Tight

Your hitched, to a clove.

Step 11: Square Knot

Step 12: Cross Both Lines

Step 13: Bring Both Dead Ends Back Together for Another Cross

Step 14: Cross Them the Opposite Way of Your First Cross

Step 15: Pull Tight

Your all squared up.

Step 16: Use These Knots

We hope everyone has a great time discovering moments when you realize you know exactly what knot you are going to use. Especially when other people are around that need to know as well, and you find yourself passing on valuable information. That has to be one of the greatest feelings.
Thank you

Comments

[Poppy Ann]

Although I know many knots the only three I tend to use are the figure eight, the bowline and the square knot I lived on my sail boat for 10 years and could do anything I needed to by using these three.

One I use to insist anyone on-board knew how to tie was the one handed bowline as that was required if you fell overboard and someone threw you a line to pull you back on board and the reason for needing to tie it one handed was due to you needed to use your other hand to hold onto the line whilst you were tying it.

[jstork1]

Thanks for the knots. Knots by Grog is a pretty comprehensive site that covers a lot of knots for many purposes.

[DonaL3]

The bowline is left out of many knot information on line.

It is a big part of the BSA training, so A lot of people know about it thanks for showing it. I try to keep up on at least10 knots, but use only about 4 or 5 in everyday life.

[tavibitxb]

nice. I've been looking for a list that compiles these knots

[don57]

I know other knots but these 3 (and the figure-8) comprise about 99% of the knots I use

[DesM2]

i like the marlin spike hitch: one handed, it's on the bite so you don't need to ends, it's so versatile and can be embellished into several other knots. Use it to Hank a rope, secure a rabid gruffalo, make a tree swing or rope ladder or secure a load on a trailer. It's also handy for stringing balloons for party decorations!

This guy has some more uses if you want a sensible answer...

https://www.instructables.com/id/The-Only-knot-you-need-to-know/

[sandalwood1]

sandalwood20

Speaking as a lifelong professional mariner and frequent small boat user, the square (or reef) knot is a VERY POOR choice for joining two lines together. In his definitive tome on knots, Clifford Ashley claimed that "misused reef knots have caused more deaths and injuries than all other knots combined".

To join two lines of the same size, the sheet bend is probably the most common correct approach, and for lines of different size the carrick bend is a good choice.

[kenahoo]

I fully agree, the square knot has almost no legitimate use besides tying up packages. It's a terrible knot for joining lines. I don't even use it for my shoelaces anymore, because it comes untied too easily (try the surgeon's shoelace knot). I find the Zeppelin Bend easy to remember for joining two ropes of equal girth, it's a strong knot and really easy to untie.

[AusBlindSight]

IN my boy scout days, we were told that reef knots were only to be used to join ropes of equal thickness. The sheet bend on the other hand, is used to join ropes of unequal thickness, the thicker rope for the loop and the thinner to run around forming the knot.

[Robbo_roberto]

"The rabbit comes out of the hole, goes around the tree, then goes back down the hole". ;-)

[barcoo2]

ha ha ha.. Thats exactly what I was going to say. You must have been a boy scout too.

[Was1x]

I have to share this shoe tying knot. I think it's called a "runner's knot" . After the bunny comes out of the hole, goes around the tree, have him go around the tree again, then back in the hole. It gives a locking effect that keeps the lace from unlocking, and it doesn't look like your Mommy tied it.

[fredellarby]

BINGO!

[Was1x]

OK, you said the first two were easy to undo. A big item for me. But I didn't see that explanation. Can someone add it?

[PalletM]

The fastest bowline is not a standard bowline. It is a tugboat bowline. It is not as strong as a standard bowline because there is an additional bend in the live end.

[Syx]

The "square knot" shown above may also be known as a "reef knot" - at least it was when I was in the Scouts!

[CourtenayS1]

It is also the one you probably use to tie your shoes.

[Syx]

Isn't that only when you use the "bunny ears" technique?

[CourtenayS1]

It is also the one you probably use to tie your shoes.

[AndrewInIreland]

Ditto- also known as the "figure of eight" knot