Chapter 26 · Printable appendices
D. Essential knots: quick reference
How to tie each knot, step by step with diagrams: see chapter 17. Practice each one until you can do it with your eyes closed; in an emergency there is no time to read.
| Knot | What it's for | Advantage / caution | See |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowline | Make a fixed loop at the end of a rope: tie to a tree or ring, rescue. | Does not slip or tighten; easy to untie after bearing a load. Leave a long tail. | Ch. 17 |
| Clove hitch | Quickly tie a rope to a post or pipe; start lashings. | Very fast and adjustable. Can loosen if the load rotates; secure it with a half hitch. | Ch. 17 |
| Square knot | Close a bandage or a bundle; join the two ends of the same rope. | Do not use it to join two ropes that will bear weight: it can come undone. | Ch. 17 |
| Timber hitch | Drag or lift logs, poles, or long bundles. | Tightens under load and comes loose easily without it. | Ch. 17 |
| Taut-line hitch | Tension tent guy lines, tarps, and clotheslines. | Slides to adjust and locks under tension. | Ch. 17 |
Practice notes
| Knot Date practiced Who has mastered it? |
|---|
| Bowline |
| Clove hitch |
| Reef knot |
| Timber hitch |
| Adjustable-grip hitch |
