1.

Define the following terms[edit | edit source]

It's a good idea to begin this honor with the definitions so your Pathfinders have a working
vocabulary of the various terms involved. Telling them to "make a bight" or "take the standing part"
makes little sense until these terms are understood.
A bight
a. Bight
The term bight refers to any curved section, slack part, or loop between the two ends of a
rope.
b. Running end
Also called the working end, it is the free end of the rope. This is the end of the rope in which
a knot is being tied.
c. Standing part
The part of the rope between the Running end and the Standing end (the end that doesn't
move, think of it as if someone is holding it)
d. Underhand loop
A loop formed by passing the running end of a line under the standing part.
e. Overhand loop
A loop formed by passing the running end of a line over the standing part.
f. Turn
A: Turn
B: Round turn
C: Two round turnsA turn is a component of a knot. Turns can be made around objects,
through rings, or around the standing part of the rope itself. Turns come in various forms,
distinguished by the number of passes that the rope makes. A turn or single turn requires
one pass. The line makes a U-shape through or around the object, or half a revolution.
A round turn requires two passes and makes one and a half revolutions. Two round
turns adds another pass and revolution.
g. Bend
A bend is used to tie two ropes together, as in the Sheetbend. Technically, even the Reef
knot is a bend
h. Hitch
A hitch is used to tie a rope to a spar, ring or post, such as the Clove hitch. Hitches can also
be used to tie one rope ONTO another rope, as in the Rolling hitch.
i. Splice
A knot formed by interweaving strands of rope rather than whole lines. More time consuming
but usually stronger than simple knots.
j. Whipping
A binding knot used to prevent another line from fray.
a. Splice[edit | edit source]
A splice is used to join the ends of two ropes and results in the spliced part being about twice as
thick as the non spliced part. The short splice retains more of the rope strength than any knots that
join rope ends. It is tied using the same techniques as the eye splice (see below).

 Short splice animated

b. Eye splice
 Use: The eye splice is the best method of creating a permanent loop in the end of multi stranded rope by means
the loop. Originally this splice was described with each end being tucked only about three times. When the splice
complete tucks is a minimum and additional tucks are recommended for critical loads.

How to tie:

The ends of the rope are first wrapped in tape or heated with a flame to prevent each end from fraying completely
five tucks in half inch rope, undo about 7.5 inches. Wrap the rope at that point to prevent it unwinding further. Form
keep each end retaining its twist and lie neatly.

 Eye Splice Animated

A back splice (also called an end splice) is a splice where the strands of the end of the rope are
spliced directly back into the end without forming a loop. It is used to finish off the end of the rope to
keep it from fraying. The end of the rope with the splice is about twice the thickness of the rest of the
rope. Begin by unraveling the strands, and tie a crown knot. Then begin splicing the rope onto itself
as with the short splice.
The Carrick bend is used for joining two lines. It is particularly appropriate for very heavy rope or
cable that is too large and stiff to easily be formed into other common bends. It will not jam even
after carrying a significant load or being soaked with water. The Carrick bend's aesthetically pleasing
interwoven and symmetrical shape has also made it popular for decorative purposes.

Bowline

Use: This knot doesn't jam or slip when tied properly. It can be tied around a person's waist and used to lift him, b
sail head.

How to tie:

1. Make the overhand loop with the end held toward you, then pass end through loop.
2. Now pass end up behind the standing part, then down through the loop again.
3. Draw up tight.
Carrick bend
 A fully interwoven diagonally opposed Carrick bend
Use: The Carrick bend is used for joining two lines. It is particularly appropriate for very heavy rope or cable that is
carrying a significant load or being soaked with water. The Carrick bend's aesthetically pleasing interwoven and sy
In the interest of making the Carrick bend easier to untie, especially when tied in extremely large rope, the ends m
the knot's profile flatter and can ease its passage over capstans or winches.
The ends are traditionally seized to their standing part using a Round seizing. For expediency, a series of double c
bend, both ends must be secured to their standing parts or the bend will slip.
Figure Eight

Use: This knot is ideal for keeping the end of a rope from running out of tackle or pulley.

How to tie:

1. Make underhand loop, bringing end around and over the standing part.
2. Pass end under, then up through the loop.
3. Draw up tight.

The fisherman's knot is a bend (a knot for joining two lines) with a symmetrical structure consisting of
two overhand knots, each tied around the standing part of the other. Other names for the fisherman's
knot include: angler's knot, English knot, halibut knot, waterman's knot.

Fisherman's bend[edit | edit source]

Fisherman's knot
Use: The Fisherman's knot is a specialized bend. It consists of two overhand knots wrapped around each other.
used in stubborn materials. When tightened, it becomes fairly compact, and the free ends can be cropped very clo
fishing rod than many other bends, and is easier to tie with cold, wet hands.

How to tie:

To tie the fisherman's knot, lay the two ends to be tied alongside each other and facing opposite ways. Tie an ove
overhand knot, to prevent the line inside it from flopping around. Then tie another overhand knot on the second ro
Fisherman's loop

Use: The fisherman's loop makes a non-slip loop at the end of a rope.

How to tie:

This knot is the same as a fisherman's bend, except that instead of joining two ropes together, a single rope is dou
Another way to tie it is to make a slip knot and then use the running end to tie an overhand knot around the standi
Sheepshank

Use: The sheepshank knot is used to shorten a length of rope. It comes undone easily unless it is under tension.
WARNING: Keep this knot under tension or it will come untied.

Sheetbend

Use: The sheet bend knot is excellent for joining two ropes together, especially if the two ropes are not the same s
bowline.

How to tie:

1. Make a bight at the end of the larger rope (if they are not the same size).
2. Run the end of the smaller rope through the bight, entering from the bottom.
3. Wrap the end of small rope around the back of the large rope, crossing the short end of the large
4. Tuck the end of the short rope under itself, on top of the bight.

Slip knot
Use: A slip knot is one that will tighten under load, and which can be easily untied by pulling on the running end. T
itself.

How to tie:

A slip knot can be tied by starting an overhand knot, but instead of passing the running end through the loop, pass

WARNING: If tied as shown in the illustration, the running end (on the right) will pull through the loop if even the s
running ends in the illustration, the knot is far more stable. As shown, the knot will hold a load on the running end,
Square Knot

Use: Also known as a Reef knot, the Square Knot is easily learned and useful for many situations. It is most comm
sails. It is used in first aid to tie off a bandage or a sling because the knot lies flat.

How to tie:

1. Pass left end over and under right end.

2. Curve what is now the left end toward the right and cross what is now the right end over and unde
3. Draw up tight by pulling one end and line away from the other end and line.
Surgeon's knot

Use: The surgeon's knot is similar to a square knot, except that the first stage is doubled. This helps the knot stay

Timber hitch
Use: The timber hitch is a knot used to attach a single length of rope to a piece of wood. This knot is easily undo

How to tie:

1. To make the knot, pass the rope completely around the wood.
2. Pass the running end around the standing part, then through the loop that you have just formed.
3. Make three turns around the loop then pull on the standing part to tighten.
4. Take care that you double the rope back on itself before making the three turns, or it won't hold.
5. Three are recommended for natural rope such as jute, whereas five turns are needed on synthetic
This knot is also known as the Bowyer's Knot as it is used to attach the lower end of the bowstring to the bottom li
Two half hitches

Use: This reliable knot is quickly tied and is the hitch most often used in mooring.
How to tie:

1. Pass end of rope around post or other object.

2. Wrap short end of rope under and over long part of rope, pushing the end down through the loop.
3. Repeat on long rope below first half hitch and draw up tight.
Double bowline

How to tie:

1. Make a loop with the running end crossing over the standing end.
2. Make a larger loop that passes over the first loop, again with the running end passing over the sta
3. Pass the running end through the first loop from the bottom.
4. Wrap the running end behind the standing end, and back down through the first loop.
5. Tighten
Double sheet bend

Use: The double sheet bend or double becket bend is a strong knot used to tie two ropes (usually of different th

How to tie:
 To tie the double sheet bend, start by making a bight in the larger line. Pass the working end of the smaller line up
sheet bend). Then once again, pass the working end along the same path, around behind the bight and beneath t
The granny knot is a binding knot, used to secure a rope or line around an object. It is considered
inferior to the reef knot (square knot), which it superficially resembles. Neither of these knots should
be used as a bend knot for attaching two ropes together.

CHAPTER 5: Pathfinder Knots Experts tell us that there are only four true knots in the world. The Ashley
Book of Knots lists over a thousand different ways of tying a knot. Fortunately, Pathfinders are only
taught a basic group of knots that have a practical application in life. The main knots that Pathfinders are
required to know have been included in this section. The Overhand Knot The Overhand Knot (Figure 5.1)
is used as a stopper knot on the rope end, to prevent the end from fraying or to stop the rope from
slipping through a sleeve. Figure 5.1 The Overhand Knot. The Granny Knot The Granny Knot (Figure 5.2)
is tied by holding one end of the rope in the left hand and one end in the right hand. Place the left rope
over the right making an overhand knot and then place the left rope over the right again forming the
knot. If one end of the Granny Knot is pulled, the knot will capsize into Two Half Hitches, which makes a
better knot than the Square Knot. It is used to join two equal ropes. It is a stronger knot than the Square
Knot. Figure 5.2: The Granny Knot. Two Half Hitches Two Half Hitches (Figure 5.3) is a quick way to tie a
knot to a post is to first form a loose Granny Knot, leaving a long end. As the running end is pulled it take
up the slack and the Granny Knot will capsize into Two Half Hitches. 26 PTHACT005 Pathfinder Knots and
Lashings January 2009 Figure 5.3: Two Half Hitches. The Square or Reef Knot A Square Knot or Reef Knot
(Figure 5.4) is tied by holding the two ends of the rope in the left and right hands. Place the left rope
over the right and then the right rope over the left. It is one of the most common knots. It is used in first
aid and to join two equal ropes. Figure 5.4: The Square or Reef Knot. The Slip Knot The Slip Knot (Figure
5.5) slips but when tied properly, becomes tighter the more one is pulled. Make an overhand knot with a
long end. Use the long end to form a bight and feed it back into the overhand knot. Make sure that you
leave enough through the overhand so that it does not slide out the wrong way. It is used for tightening
around an object. PTHACT005 Pathfinder Knots and Lashings 27 January 2009 Figure 5.5: The Slip Knot.
The Double Bow The Double Bow (Figure 5.6) is the one tied every time a person ties their shoelace. It
should follow the square knot principle and not the granny. Figure 5.6: The Double Bow. The Figure Eight
Knot The Figure Eight Knot (Figure 5.7) has a single rim part, which passes completely around the neck
and it has another single part at the top that nips the end. It is used at the end of a rope as a stopper
knot. It is also used in rope sports (abseiling, rock climbing