Page 23 - Knots and Splices (1st Edition)

KNOTS & SPLICES BK5.0 1/21/06 11:03 Page 22

27 27 OVERHAND LOOP
The Overhand Loop or Loop Knot is the simplest
way to tie a fixed loop in the end of a piece of cord
or light line. It should not be used in rope, however,
because it tends to jam and cannot be readily
undone. Knots tied in rope, which is expensive,
generally need to be untied when they have served
their purpose, so that the rope is ready for further
use. Knots tied in cord or light line can, if necessary,
be cut off and discarded when they have been
used. Hence a knot that is appropriate in one
material is sometimes quite inappropriate in
another material or size of line. For rope, a better
knot to use would be the Figure of Eight Loop (28).
The Overhand Loop is very unlikely to shake
loose and become untied, but the Bowline (20),
which is structurally a better knot, can, particularly
when formed in rope made of a slippery material.
When there is danger of it doing so, the end of a
Bowline should always be stopped (see Glossary) to
the standing part or secured to it with an Overhand
Knot [1] or Half Hitch [2].
To form the Overhand Loop, just make a loop
and tie an Overhand Knot (1) using the two parts
together.

28 28 FIGURE OF EIGHT LOOP
The Figure of Eight Loop is a more seamanlike
knot than the Overhand Loop (27) and is also used
extensively by climbers. It is a little easier to
loosen and untie than an Overhand Loop that
has been heavily loaded. It is tied quite simply by
forming a long loop in the end of a line and tying
a Figure of Eight (4) in the doubled standing part.

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