Page 186 - Des Pawson "Pocket Guide to Knots & Splices"

Sheer Lashing

Sometimes called a round lashing, the sheer lashing has two distinct uses. First,

it creates an “A” frame or set of sheer legs using a single sheer lashing. Second,
two or three sheer lashings can be used to bind together a couple of poles to
make a longer spar. To make the “A” frame, two poles are put side by side, the

lashing made at one end. Start with a clove hitch round one of the poles. Next,
put on the initial turns, but do not pull them very tight. When it comes to the

frapping turns, they, too, are not pulled very tight, for when the lashing is
finished the “legs” are opened to make the “A” and this tightens everything up.
A slightly different approach is needed to join two poles together to make a

longer pole. Overlap the poles a good distance and start with either a clove
hitch, a constrictor knot, or a timber hitch round both poles at one end of the

overlap. Follow by a series of turns, each of which must be heaved as tightly as
possible, for this time there will be no frapping turns to tighten the lashing
further as there is no space between the poles. Finish your lashing with a clove

hitch round both poles, tucking the end down inside the lashing if possible.
Make a second lashing at the other end of the overlap. Occasionally it is

necessary to made a third lashing in the middle.

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