Page 30 - Peter Owen - Knots
P. 30
• CAT'S PAW
Because the strain is equal on both sides, this is
the best hook knot for rope of medium
diameter. It has long been used by dock
workers and sailors to sling heavy loads, and
the name cat's paw has been current since at
leasllhe early 18th century. When a single part I
of a loaded rope is hung over a hook, the line is
weakened by about one-third. A cat's paw,
securely drawn up, gives the additional
assurance thai, should one leg break, the other
will lasllong enough to allow the load to be
safely ioweI'€d to the ground.
o o
® 0'
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