Page 21 - Mark Gommers "Bowlines Analysis

The Nipping Loop (a short study)

A key element of all Bowlines is the nipping loop. Some argue that the nipping loop is the
defining element – without which, there is no Bowline.

The nipping loop clamps and compresses all material inside the helical structure – and this
compressive force is generated by tension in both the SPart and the ongoing eye leg.
However, the balancing force contributed by the ongoing eye leg is 50% of that on the
SPart – with the remaining 50% provided by the other returning eye leg.

SPart 100%

All Bowlines have a
nipping loop that is
loaded at both ends.

SPart

Load

No Load

The Sheet bend (#1431)
does not have a functioning The Sheepshank (#1152) has
nipping loop because it is 2 functional nipping loops.
only loaded at one end. Each nipping loop is loaded
Force is only provided by at both ends.
the SPart.

This author posits that there
is a capstan effect at the
collar because the nipping
loop does not operate as
effectively to clamp and
compress both legs of the
bight.
SPart

Page 20 of 59 Bowline Analysis Version 2.7a 16 July 2016 © Copyright Mark Gommers