Page 131 - The New Encyclopedia of Knots
P. 131
figure 93.2
figure 93.3
Monkey’s fist: a rope ball which can be formed easily often used at the end of a heaving line to
provide it with carrying weight. It is sometimes formed with a metal or wooden ball (as of course the
latter will float) inserted into the weave, to provide additional carrying weight.
Measure off about 1.5m (5ft) of line and begin to work from this point back towards the tail end of the
rope, first by forming three turns (figure 93.1). Follow these by a further three turns, passed around
the original three but at right angles to them (figure 93.2). A third and final set of three turns is made
around the second group but inside the initial group (figure 93.3). It is at this point that any ball to be
used should be inserted into the centre of the fist, before it is worked tight to take all of the slack out.
Cut off and work the working end into the standing part (figure 93.4).
