Page 145 - 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).

figure 102

figure 101.1

figure 101.2