Page 178 - Knack Knots You Need
P. 178
SheePShanK
A knot for shortening any line to any required length.
The sheepshank allows a line to be shortened to a re-
quired length without cutting. It can also be tied with a
damaged section of line in the middle of the knot to take
strain off the damaged section. It ties and unties easily A damaged section of line would be in
and holds well under tension. Two half hitches may be
tied at each end instead of one for more security. the middle of one of the bights.
Sheepshank: Step 1 Sheepshank: Step 2
KnOtS YOU need: BOat KnOtS
Lay out two bights (see page 10) in the line in Use the main line to tie two half hitches (see
an S or Z shape. page 35) over the ends of both bights as
Red light shown in the photograph. Slowly pull on both
the main parts of the line, taking care to keep
If the sheepshank is to be loaded, it must be done
slowly and cautiously since it can fall apart easily. the knot in its proper shape and form. The two
Fully tighten the knot and apply the load gradually loops at the ends of the knot need to stay ap-
rather than suddenly. proximately the same size.
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