Essential Knot Tying Techniques You Need To Know

Knot tying is one of the most useful outdoor skills than everyone needs to know. A good knot can save lives, perform first aid, or just tying anything securely. There are literally hundreds of knot tying techniques but you only need a few to survive. These knot tying techniques have distinct methods to where it can be best used for, so lets explore these knot tying techniques and learn how to do it.

The Square Knot

The square knot is a knot tying technique to tie two ropes together to make a longer rope, or to tie a bundle of firewood to carry. You can tie a square knot by looping over right and the left and tying it in a reverse direction.

A square knot is more secure and stable than a granny knot.

Clove Hitch

The clove hitch is an easy-to-knot tie perfect for tying a tree or post quickly. It secures a line and does not slip when used alone.

To tie a clove hitch on a tree or post, make a loop of the rope around the tree. Then make another loop and pass the free end of the loop to another loop before tightening.

Figure 8

The figure 8, or also known as the Flemish knot creates a stopper at the end of the line. It is necessary to use this knot to tie other more complex knots.

To make a figure 8, simply pass the free end of the line over itself to create a loop. Continue under and over the line then finish the knot by passing the free end down through the loop.

Bowline

The bowline creates a loop at the end of the rope which will not shrink or expand. Two bowlines can be used to tie two ropes together and it can be used to create a loop in the end of the rope for a snare noose.

To tie a bowline, form a loop at the top long end of the line. Then pass the free end of the loop around and behind the line. Bring the free end down in the original loop but maintain the secondary loop. This is now your bowline loop.

Timber Hitch

The timber hitch secures a rope to a cylindrical object like in this case, a log to haul it or to provide support.

To make a timber hitch, run the free end of the rope to the log you are intending to pull. Wrap the free end of the rope around the standing end of the rope, then wrap the free end around itself for about three to four times. Tighten your timber hitch so the rope wraps in the log.

Carrick Bend

Carrick bend is an alternate square knot that joins two ropes securely. It is a lot easier to untie than a square knot.

To make a carrick bend, form a loop from the free end of one rope. Pass the other free end to the first loop, then over, then under. Thread the free end of the loop across it and passing over itself. Pull both the standing ends to tighten.

The post Essential Knot Tying Techniques You Need To Know appeared first on Go Survival Gear - Survival gear, survival kits, camping gear.