Page 37 - Randy Penn Everything Knots Book

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THE EVER YTHING KNOTS BOOK

materials in order to keep it from sagging to the ground when occu-
pied. Some people want a little stretch in their anchor line to help
prevent sudden jerks in the line, causing the anchor to break free.
Some fishing lines are made to stretch, which helps keep them
from breaking under sudden tension, and some have very little
stretch for extra sensitivity. When using ropes and twine that
stretch, some of the stretch must be taken out if it is to be tight-
ened. This is easily done with a Trucker’s Hitch or another
adjustable tie. Some applications require very little stretch and very
little “creep,” the tendency of a rope to stretch slowly when under
continuous tension. Steel cable is often used for this.

Additional Rope Properties
Some properties have to do with the type of abuse the rope
will take. Abrasion resistance is sometimes needed, or resistance
to ultraviolet rays, insects, mildew, heat, high voltage, rough han-
dling, and repeated knotting. If appearance is important, then you
would choose rope based on structure, material, color, surface tex-
ture, or size. Other factors may include cost, availability, ease of
splicing, quality, tradition, or uniformity with similar uses. Rope can
be biodegradable, edible, flammable, glow in the dark, or electri-
cally lighted. If you can’t find what you want, you can even make
your own!
Sometimes you will have to make do with the rope you have
on hand or any substitute you can find. Keeping the properties of
rope in mind will help you to make the best use of it. There are
knots that can collect the ends of many strands, or that are useful
for tying together ropes of very different materials, sizes, and struc-
tures. There are also knots that can be tied in bungee cords, straps,
sheets, or torn clothing.
The properties of knots do not stand alone, but depend on the
substance they are tied in. Keeping this in mind as you learn from
this book will make you less frustrated, and a much more compe-
tent and safe knot tyer.

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