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KNOTS AND LASHINGS

Objectives:

1. To introduce to cadets the functions and importance of each knots and lashings.

2. To ensure the cadets know how to tie the 8 basic knots and the 5 lashings.

Materials of Ropes:

1. Natural Fiber

Hemp, manila, sisal and cotton

Rot easily under hot sun and wet conditions

2. Synthetic Fiber

Nylon, polyester, polypropylene

More resilient to rot as they adsorb less water

3. Metal wires Types of ropes:

1. Laid Ropes (e.g. Hemp, Manila) 2. Braided Ropes (e.g. Static Climbing Rope)

Maintenance of Ropes:

1. Keep all ropes away from UV lights and sun as much as possible. 2. Store all ropes in well-ventilated room. 3. All ropes should be dry and clean before storage. 4. Keep all ropes away from chemicals.

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2 Ways to Coil a Rope:

1. Simple Coiling

2. Old navy Coil

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Whipping

To prevent the end of a rope from fraying. 1. Simple Whipping 2. West Country Whipping

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3. Flame Whipping Common Terms of Ropes 1. WORKING END is the rope end that is used to tie a knot. 2. STANDING END is the inactive rope end. 3. LOOP is rope formed into a circle, but without being crossed over itself. 4. BIGHT is the enclosed area that is formed by a loop. 5. TURN is rope that passes around only one side of an object. 6. ROUND TURN is rope that completes one and a half circles around an object.

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Knots List: 1. Thumb knot (Overhand-knot)

Used as a handheld and stopper.

Once tied and put under strain, it is difficult to untie. 2. Figure of Eight

Used as a stopper

Easier to untie than a thumb knot. 3. Bowline

Does not jam or slip easily.

It may not hold if very rigid and slippery ropes are used. A stopper knot can be tied around the loop for security.

Used to secure a rope to a ring.

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4. Reef Knot

Used for parcel tying and First Aid bandaging.

Not very secure as it comes undone easily. 5. Sheepshank

Used for shortening ropes.

Can be used to bypass any damaged section of the rope.

Can be untied easily.

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6. Sheep Bent

Used for joining 2 ropes of unequal thickness.

Quick and easy to handle.

7. Fisherman’s Knot

Used for joining small ropes of equal thickness. 8. Clove Hitch

Used to secure a rope to an object.

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Lashings List: 1. Round Lashing

Used to bind 2 parallel spars together.

Commonly used to erecting flagstaffs. 2. Square Lashing

Used to tie 2 spars together at the right angle.

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3. Diagonal Lashing

Used to tie spars together at an acute angle.

4. Sheer Lashing

Used to bind 2 spars together.

Can be used to bind crooked spars.

Acts as a shear legs and ‘A’ frame when opened up.

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5. Gyn Lashing

Used to create stands with at least 3 legs. Optional Advance Knots:

These Knots can be taught if time permits for general knowledge. 1. Manharness 2. Fireman’s Chair 3. Rolling Hitch 4. Round Turn and 2 Half Hitches 5. Highwayman’s Hitch 6. Marlinspike 7. Chain Knot