Page 190 - Randy Penn Everything Knots Book

37-032-6-pp001-pp274.qxd 9/1/2010 2:49 PM Page 175

9

Knots for Lashing

FOR OUR ANCESTORS, a simple lashing meant the difference
between swinging a sharp rock and swinging an ax. This skill
remains important today, if not for axes, for lashing together poles
and tying up packages and bundles.

Lashing Bundles

Wrapping and securing bundles is a form of lashing, so package
ties (also called parcel ties) are included in this chapter. You can
use lashing bundles to secure a single object, like a box or rolled-
up sleeping bag. Or you can group a stack of items, like books or
newspapers. The rope or string itself can serve as a handle to lift
the object. String or small cordage is often used in place of wire
to bundle items in industrial applications, because wire can do
more damage to any machinery it gets caught in.

FACT

Until very recently, you could purchase parcel string at
shipping supply stores, but not so much anymore. As quick
and handy as parcel ties are, they have fallen out of favor
because the string has a tendency to get caught in modern
machinery used by shipping companies.

175