Page 191 - Randy Penn Everything Knots Book

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THE EVER YTHING KNOTS BOOK

Lashing Poles

Lashing two or more poles together can be very useful for both
construction and repair—to give more length or to make scaffolding,
ladders, or makeshift furniture. Poles can be lashed parallel to each
other or at right angles.

QUESTION?

How do I lash poles that are not exactly parallel or at
right angles?
Position the poles parallel to each other and loosely tie a
Sheer Lashing. Then the lashing will tighten as the poles are
twisted open. You can also do this with three poles, and then
open them up to make a tripod.

Key to making a pole lashing is the concept of the frapping turn.
While the multiple wraps around two poles provide the structural
strength that a lashing needs, the frapping constricts the wraps and
creates the tension that holds them in place. If the poles are tied
together parallel to each other as in the Sheer Lashing, the wraps
must be loose enough to allow a couple of frapping turns to pass
between them.

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