Knots

Bowline

The bowline was originally used in a marine setting (as are many knots), but has proved itself useful in a wide range of situations. The qualities of this knot are its simplicity, strength and resistance to jamming. Because of the intentionally open loop in the completed knot, the bowline can be slung over a post or other object after it has been tied. This knot can also be tied after the rope has been passed through a ring. You should be cautious as the knot can become undone if it is shaken or jostled.

Square Knot

A very quick knot to tie, the square knot can join two ropes together in a simple and effective way. However, you should be aware that this knot is not reliable for heavy weights or critical situations. The square knot has been used for centuries to join two ends together for bandages or shoelaces or belts. The Boy Scouts require skill with this knot for general purposes.

Water Knot

Most knots are designed with regular round rope in mind. The water knot is a particularly useful knot for webbing. The resulting loop makes its applications comparable to the bowline. If this not is in fact made with webbing, it is often applied as a sling and can hold very heavy loads depending on the integrity of the webbing. Repeated stress on this knot can cause the tail to slip, therefore make sure to leave a long tail end.

Rolling Hitch

The rolling hitch is used to attach ropes to poles and other objects. Unlike other hitches, this particular knot is designed for stress in a parallel direction along the object to which the knot is attached. In other words, the stress on this hitch will be lengthwise and not perpendicular or at a right angle.

Clove Hitch

The clove hitch is a simple and useful knot that needs to be used with an understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. As with other hitches, this knot is attached to an independent object other than the load itself. This knot is particularly strong when a load pulls on either end of the hitch as in a crossing knot. If the clove hitch is used in a more common application with stress on one end, be aware, the hitch can easily become undone. Yet this can also work to your advantage if you need an adjustable length of rope on the running end. Overall, this hitch is not particularly strong, but maintains many useful qualities.

Trucker's Hitch

This knot is so named because it is used to cinch down a load (usually on trucks or trailers). While the knot itself is complicated compared to other knots, it produces unusual strength and tension. The overall mechanical advantage produced by this knot is a 3 to 1 ratio.

Mooring Hitch

Typically, this knot is used to tie a boat down to a stationary point. This technique is called "mooring." The mooring hitch should be used temporarily. It can remain taught under tension, but can also be quickly released with a tug on the free end.

Double Fisherman's

One of the most secure ways to connect two pieces of rope is with the fisherman's knot. For crucial situations such as rock climbing and search and rescue, the double and triple fisherman's knot have proved reliable. This knot is particularly helpful because the knot lies rather flat throughout the connection. This rope will not slip or slide, which makes it a reliable choice in critical situations.

Constrictor Knot

To bind or gather groups of objects, the constrictor knot will provide security for temporary and semi-permanent situations. Because the knot grips itself, it will not work itself loose. However, the tightness that can be exerted by the rope can damage the objects being bound. This knot can also be used to close open bags or packages shut. This knot will come in handy in many circumstances and is very reliable.

Buntline Hitch

This particular hitch is useful when a rope is tied to a ring, eye, or snap. When completed, the knot bunches neatly and tightly to the ring. The buntline hitch can withstand much tension and is very strong. In fact, this knot can be difficult to remove after use because of the continual tightening of the knot.