Different knots have many different purposes. Choosing the right knot will ensure that any of our outdoor activities are safe and effective. Below are a list of some knots, outlining their purpose and use, and in some cases their limitations.
Reef (Square) knot– The reef knot is intended to be a binding knot, used to tie things down. However, it is a weak knot and not to be used where safety is critical. It is often the first knot that people learn. Tying shoelaces is an example of a reef knot. This gives a good example of how it is not a strong knot as shoelaces can easily come undone.
Click here to learn how to tie a reef knot.
Figure Eight knot– This knot is used as a stopper at the end of a rope. An example of this is when tying off a rope at a block of wood or to stop a rope going through a hole in a sail. It is not used for binding. It’s virtue is that it can be easily undone when needed but this can also be its weakness.
Click here to learn how to tie a Figure 8 knot.
Bowline Knot– This knot makes a secure loop in the end of a piece of rope. It has many uses, such as to to tie a boat to a ring or a post. Under load, it does not slip or bind. With no load it can be untied easily. Under load, however, it can not be untied. This can be a negative.
Click here to learn how to tie a bowline knot.
Clove hitch (Half hitch) knot– This a knot used for tying things off and binding. It is recognised as being a very weak knot as it can slip and undo easily. An example of where it may be used is to tie off a tent fly to a solid structure such as a fence. It is not to be used for any weight bearing activity.
Click here to learn how to tie a clove hitch.
Figure eight on the bight and follow through– This is an extremely strong know used almost exclusively in rock climbing to tie off a rope to something like a carabiner. It is a simple knot that can be used and undone easily when finished in order to prevent damage to the rope.
(Courtesy: Animated knots)
Click here to learn how to tie a Figure 8 on the follow through.
Round turn and two half hitches– This is a very useful knot used to tie an object attached to a rope to a fixed point such as a pole or ring. It can be tied using one hand which can be important when holding the object to be tied.
(Courtesy: Animated knots)
Click here to learn how to tie a round turn and two half hitches knot.
Double fisherman– This knot is used to join two lines or ropes together to make them longer. As the name suggests, this is often used by fishermen to join line together. It is also used by rock climbers or abseilers to make rope long enough to be used in different circumstances.
(Courtesy: Animated knots)
Click here to learn how to tie a double fisherman’s knot.