Page 44 - Des Pawson "Des Pawson's Knot Craft" 2 edit.

KNOTCRAFT 2009:Layout 1 23/10/09 12:17 Page 43

Rope ladders

HERE ARE LOTS OF STYLES OF rope ladders. Some ladders are
Tmade entirely of rope, some have a round wooden rung, and
some, like the heavy pilot ladder, are made with flat steps held
in place with chocks and long spreader steps to stop the ladder
twisting. Most of these ladders require a lot of work with a great
deal of seizing in of the wooden ladder rungs.
A few of the simpler ways to make a rope ladder include using
a series of marlinespike hitches (page 10) round a wooden bar,
making very sure that you get the pull direction right. Frankly I
would not recommend this, as the bar could still slip out
sideways (there is a simple knotted all-rope ladder for very
occasional use that will do in an emergency).
The other method involves using a round wooden rung and
square or eight plait rope, also known as anchor plait, that
makes a much better and permanent job.

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