Page 10 - Maria Constantino "The Knot Handbook"
P. 10

One of the main  reasons for selecting one
     kn ot  rather  than  another  is  the  relative
     strength  of the  knot.  Knot  strengths  are  of
     particular  importance  to  climbers,  who  wi!J                               z
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     favour  bulky  knots  with  several  wrappmg                                   ::a
                                                                                    0
     turns. These  types  of knots  are  designed  to                               c
                                                                                    c
     absorb  strain  and  to  avoid  weakening  the                                 n
                                                                                    -I
     rope. Climbers routinely check their knots on
                                           The  term 'rope'  properly  describes  a   0
     a  climb,  especially  when  stiff  rope  is  used,   product over  I Omm  (Y12  inches)  in  diameter.   z
     because  it  is  more  difficult  to  tie, being  less
     £lexible.  Consequently,  climbers  check  regu-  a tow  line or a life  line. Sometimes, son1e lines
     larly  to  make sure  that  their knots are  secure.   have  even  more  specific  names: a lightweight
     Other  factors  that  influence  knot  choice  are   throwing or heaving line that is used to haul a
     the  speed  and  ease  of tying,  the  size  of knot   heavier  line  across  a  gap  - such  as  from  the
     and the  reliability of the knot.      deck  of a boat, across  the  water to  the jetty -
                                            is  known as  a messenger.
     Learning  the  ropes
     Understanding  the  properties  of  rope  and
     knowing  how  to  keep  it  in  good  condition   Anything  smaller than
                                            I Omm  (Y12  inches)  is
     are  essential  to the  knot-tyer. The word 'rope'
                                            classified  as  cord, twine
     is  generalJy  defined  as  meaning  any  plaited,   or thread. The  strength
                                           of fine  cord  can  be
     braided  or  laid  (that  is,  in  strands)  product
                                            increased  by  plaiting.
     over 10111111  (Yi2 inches)  in diameter.  (There are
     some exceptions, however, as  some specialised
     climbing ropes are  9mm  (Yx  inches)  in  diame-
     ter.)  Anything smaller is  called cord, twine, or
     thread.
        R ope  and  cord  are  known  collectively  as
     cordage, but are also  often referred  to  as  stuff
     When  rope  or cord is used  to  do  a particular
     job, it  becomes  a line, such  as  a  washing line,
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