Page 199 - The Ashley Book of Knots

THE ASHLEY BOOK OF KNOTS

The next two pages are given to single loops tied with a bight, in

the bight. Such knots are employed to supply a hand- or foothold,

or else to provide a becket to which another line may be bent or,

in the case of a lashing, through which another or the same line may

be rove and tightened. Loops in the bight may be tied in bell or

climbing ropes. On a picket line they will provide beckets that will

keep halters separated, and on a clothesline they will keep coat

104& I 04'

hange"rs from sliding to a common center.

Generally the pull on the two ends of a bight loop is opposite, but

in the first three knots to be shown the pull is parallel.

1046. The Loop KNOT or OVERHAND Loop is often used in the lash-

ing of a wagon load where both ends are to be further employed

1047. The FLEMISH Loop or FIGURE-EIGHT Loop is perhaps

stronger than the Loop KNOT. Neither of these knots is used at sea,

1048 as they are hard to untie. In hooking a tackle to any of the loops,

if the loop is long enough it is better to arrange the rope as a CAT'S-

PAW (jIji 1891).

1048. A decorative loop in the bight, suitable for a handbag

handle. This is shown by Bocher; although made in the bight it is

tied with an end.

1049. The SPAN Loop. Start as if about to tie a SHEEPSHANK

(jIji II 53), make a BELL RINGER'S KNOT" (jIji 1 147), tuck it as shown,

and draw the knot taut. This is exceptionally easy to untie and is,

moreover, one of the strongest and most secure of the series.

A span.is made fast at the ends and is hauled at the center. It is

used in slinging and in rigging. The knot described is for hooking a

tackle block. Do not stretch the rope too taut, as a direct sidewisl

pull is too much for any tight-stretched rope.

1050. The HARNESS Loop was shown in 1862 by Admiral Luce,

who called it the HARNESS HITCH. It is an ARTILLERYMAN'S KNOT,

to be used in manhandling guns on boggy and hilly ground. The

lo4~ loops should be made large enough to pass around a man's shoulder

so that he may keep both hands free. The knot may be tied in any

tow or climbing rope. It has been used by anglers for attaching

dropper flies.

1051. Loosen the HARNESS Loop, pull at either end, and the knot

will capsize into a loop that is almost round and which has a structure

identical with the previous knot before it was capsized, but with

ends and loop transposed. Both this and jIji 1050 should be tied with

a much longer loop than is finally wanted, as considerable length

may be lost by slipping before the knot is nipped.

'OSo

1051 IOS2.

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