Page 127 - Outward Bound Ropes, Knots, and Hitches

misCellaneOus

KnOts

sheepshank

A KnOt fOR
SHORtenIng Any LIne
tO Any RequIRed LengtH
The sheepshank allows a line to be shortened to a required
length without cutting. It can also be tied with a damaged
section of line in the middle of the knot to take strain off
the damaged section. It ties and unties easily and holds
well under tension. But if the sheepshank is to be loaded,
it must be done slowly and cautiously, since it can fall apart
easily. So fully tighten the knot and apply the load (the
tension) gradually rather than suddenly. Two half hitches
may be tied at each end instead of one for more security.

Sheepshank: Step 1 Sheepshank: Step 2
XX XX

Lay out two bights (see page x) Use the main line to tie two half
XXX XXX
in the line in an S or Z shape.
hitches (see page 23) over the
ends of both bights as shown in
the photograph. Slowly pull on
both the main parts of the line,
taking care to keep the knot in
its proper shape and form. The
two loops at the ends of the
knot need to stay approximately
the same size.

112

OB_RopesKnots_RevFinal_CS4.indd 112 2/9/12 3:15 PM