Page 140 - Derek E. Avery - The new encyclopedia of knots

figure 93.2

figure 93.3

Monkey’s fist: a rope ball which can be formed easily often used at the
end of a heaving line to provide it with carrying weight. It is sometimes
formed with a metal or wooden ball (as of course the latter will float)
inserted into the weave, to provide additional carrying weight.

Measure off about 1.5m (5ft) of line and begin to work from this point
back towards the tail end of the rope, first by forming three turns (figure
93.1). Follow these by a further three turns, passed around the original
three but at right angles to them (figure 93.2). A third and final set of

three turns is made around the second group but inside the initial group
(figure 93.3). It is at this point that any ball to be used should be inserted
into the centre of the fist, before it is worked tight to take all of the slack
out. Cut off and work the working end into the standing part (figure
93.4).