Page 154 - Derek E. Avery - The new encyclopedia of knots

R

Racking seizing: is used whenever the strain on the two ropes being

seized together is applied from opposite directions, or in place of a splice
in braided rope where splicing is not always easy.

Begin by passing the seizing material around both ropes and then laying
the turns in figure-of-eight fashion, taking the seizing between the two
ropes. When enough turns have been made, usually ten or so, they are
worked tight by means of a marline spike. The seizing can now be finished
in the normal fashion. First form a half hitch (see page 91) around both
rope parts, then apply a second layer of turns, known as riding turns, over

the first layer, but not as tightly. Always take two less riding turns than the
number of figure-of-eight turns, and this will prevent them from falling
off at the ends. Bring the last riding turn up through to the front by
passing it between the two parts of the rope, up through the original eye,
before taking two or three frapping turns (see page 87) between the
parts of the rope being seized. Finish by taking two or three half hitches

around the frapping turns, followed by a thumb knot, which should be
worked tight.

If you are applying a racking seizing to wire rope, both parts of the wire
should be covered with rigging tape in order to provide bite, and thus
prevent the turns from slipping.

Reef bow: perhaps the most commonly used of all knots, and the one
that all children start with, for the tying of shoe laces. The knot ties two
ends together, and for slippery line the ends can be pulled through to
form a reef knot (see page 130).

Begin by forming a thumb knot (see page 171), then make a bight in the

end of each working end (figure 101.1) and form a second thumb knot.
Pull the bights through but not the ends (figure 101.2).

Reef knot: a simple and quick way to join two ropes of similar size (figure
102).