Page 65 - Outward Bound Ropes, Knots, and Hitches

BOating KnOts:

Loops

scaffold Knot

A duRABLe nOOSe (SLIdIng LOOp)
Often uSed wItH A pROteCtIve
pLAStIC OR MetAL tHIMBLe
More complex than the simple noose (or slipknot), yet
simpler than the hangman’s noose, the scaffold knot
(sometimes called the gallows knot) is a sturdy loop that
slides to fit snugly around a bar, rail, or other object. On
boats this knot is often tightened around a thimble, a
teardrop-shaped lining for the loop that protects the line
from wear, creating what sailors refer to as a “hard-eye.”
This is important, since the almost constant movement
of boats soon wears through a line. (Thimbles are available

Scaffold K XXXXnot: Step 1 Scaffold K XX XXnot: Step 2

XXXXXXForm a loop in the working end XXX
XXX
Bring the working end back
of the line, then bring the work- across the top of the loop.
ing end around the back of the
standing part.

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