which knot to take load but undo?

tim_ber

Well-Known Member
Joined
12 May 2009
Messages
1,039
Visit site
I should know but I can't think / remember.

I need a know that will take quite a load (and not come undone), yet be able to be undone when req'd.

When logging etc, we used to place sticks in the knots, but I can't do this here.

Application - hard to explain, but best analogy is say I was rolling up an inflateable and thing using a piece of rope to keep it rolled up and then it inflated (maybe just a bit), I'd want the know to stay secure, yet be able to undo it once I deflated the dinghy.

It is not for this application for those that think I am mad, but it is otherwise too difficult to explain.

Any knot suggestions?
 
I should know but I can't think / remember.

I need a know that will take quite a load (and not come undone), yet be able to be undone when req'd.

When logging etc, we used to place sticks in the knots, but I can't do this here.

Application - hard to explain, but best analogy is say I was rolling up an inflateable and thing using a piece of rope to keep it rolled up and then it inflated (maybe just a bit), I'd want the know to stay secure, yet be able to undo it once I deflated the dinghy.

It is not for this application for those that think I am mad, but it is otherwise too difficult to explain.

Any knot suggestions?

lightermans hitch ???
 
Last edited:
You haven't actually said what you're trying to tie to what. A line to a ring? Two lines to each other? For your round-the-dinghy example I quite often put a bowline in one end of the line, then pass the other end through it and secure with a rolling hitch back to itself. This lets you snug it up and catch what you've gained by moving the rolling hitch along. But if I was worried about strength like you seem to be, then I'd use a double sheet bend.

Pete
 
? For your round-the-dinghy example I quite often put a bowline in one end of the line, then pass the other end through it and secure with a rolling hitch back to itself. This lets you snug it up and catch what you've gained by moving the rolling hitch along. But if I was worried about strength like you seem to be, then I'd use a double sheet bend.

Pete

That is what I have done today 9the bowline etc bit), I was just worried I would not be able to undo the turns afterwards - have not placed any strain on the knot yet.

Will now go and look up a double sheet bend.

thanks

edit, That looks a bit like what I use to secure two lines of different thicknesses together - a great knot (except I go around twice) - thanks for giving me the name.
 
Last edited:
Lots of good options depending on exactly what you are trying to do:

1. put a clove hitch or constrictor around the whole bundle.
2. put a bowline in one end of the rope, and put the other end thru the bowline and back on iteself with a rolling hitch (or other similar knots like the icicle hitch), or if you want to be able to get more tension use a truckers hitch (which gives you 3:1 leverage).
3. just tie the two ends together with any of the good bends (sheet, alpine, zeppelin, etc)
4. tie it up like you would a package
5. Given your user name, a timber hitch, with a locking double half hich (or rolling hitch) on the tail would do it . . .a combination of options #1 & #2 above

I can think of a couple other options using soft shackles or dogbones, but the above would be the common ways.
 
Last edited:
When tying a knot such as a bowline that is likely to come under load and be a dog (female) to undo, I usually insert the last element of the knot as a bight (loop)with a decent tail so that all that is required to undo is to yank the tail of the bight. This can be done with many knots;

or why not use a cargo(ratchet) strap?
 
When tying a knot such as a bowline that is likely to come under load and be a dog (female) to undo, I usually insert the last element of the knot as a bight (loop)with a decent tail so that all that is required to undo is to yank the tail of the bight. This can be done with many knots;

or why not use a cargo(ratchet) strap?


Yes, both great ideas. I will try looping the bight into the last turn as you say in the first instance - thanks.
 
Sorry if this sounds very simplictic but a reef knot works well when tying under load, the first part, left over right, can be tightened very quickly, the second part, right over left, can be done once you're sure you have the correct tension on the line.
 
A constrictor knot is very good for tying up a bundle but it is anything other than easy to undo.

This is an odd case, because by the op's description the 'load' will come from expansion of the bundle within the constrictor, which will then be able to be 'deflated' again, rather than the more typical loading on the ends of the line.

So, I think in this very particular case, the constrictor would be relatively easy to untie (one the bundle was deflated again). And as mentioned above, you could always used a Slipped constrictor knot if there was any question.
 
Funny, I was thinking something similar along the lines of "admit it, it's a replacement for furry handcuffs". ;^))

I don't know what you lot are on about because I haven't read or seen the film you mention (I have heard of it - I'm not much of a recluse).

You'd have to see a picture (that I probably couldn't even draw) to get an idea of this crazy application.

But I have learned a bunch of new knots.
 
One of the beauties of a bowline is that you can undo it even after subject to a big load. So a bowline one end, rope around the bundle, through the bight of the bowline, heave up and fasten with 2 or three half hitches, tied with a bight these can be easily slipped .
 
Top