Page 147 - The New Encyclopedia of Knots

figure 103.2

Rope: the word used to describe any cordage over 10mm (0.4in) diameter.

A rope is comprised of three strands twisted together, usually in a right-handed spiral, although left-
handed lay ropes are available. Each strand is composed of yarns which themselves have been

twisted together, but in the opposite direction to the lay of the rope. Each yarn is composed of fibres,
these being twisted together in the opposite direction to the lay of the yarns in the strand – that is, in
the same direction as the lay of the rope. The effect of the alternating of the lay ensures that the rope

binds tightly within itself and that it is less apt to become undone; see also fibres, hard laid, hemp,
Kevlar, Manila, medium laid, natural rope, plaited rope, polyamide (nylon), polyester, polyethylene,
polypropylene, shroud laid, ‘S’ laid, soft laid, staple, strands, synthetic rope, yarns and ‘Z’ laid.

Rope husbandry: although synthetic ropes can be stowed when wet, natural fibre rope needs to be
dried out fully. All ropes need to be kept clean and free from grit, dirt and oil. Dirty rope should be

washed thoroughly in clean fresh water; do not use detergents on natural fibres. Keep all ropes well
clear of boilers, heating pipes and flames. Remove kinks by coiling them and do not allow chafing.
Any chafed or damaged ropes should be repaired or replaced immediately you notice them, as weak
ropes can be dangerous.

Rope ladder knot or pilot ladder: the knot actually forms the rung of the rope ladder, which makes an
ideal short climbing aid over the side of a boat for swimmers. It can be made on the bight of a rope
with an eye, as illustrated in figure 104, or with twin tails at the top, which can be used to make it
fast. We suggest using any strong thickish rope, of up to 15mm (0.6in) diameter.

Make a bight in the centre of the rope, and apply a strong seizing. Form two bights in the right-hand

rope to form an S, then take the left-hand side rope into the first bight of the S, front to back. Then take
a minimum of ten round turns, emerging from the back through the lower bight of the ‘S’. You need to
make the rung wide enough to accept your foot, but not too wide or it will sag. Now repeat the
operation by making an S again with the right-hand (originally left-hand) rope, and turning the left-

hand rope around it as before. The rungs should be about 30cm (12in) apart, and you can continue for
as many rungs as you require, or as the length of the rope permits. The formation of the rope ladder