Page 212 - The Ashley Book of Knots

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CHAPTER 13: THE NOOSE

For a RUNNING NOOSE, this new Ketch is Imt a fool to him.

(The Boatswain.)

NED WARD: The Wooden Jf1orld, '707

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A NOOSE or snare, sometimes called a RUNNING KNOT, is a variety "'~

of Loop KNOT that is tied in hand, and, when placed around an J

object, renders and constricts when the rope is pulled on. It serves a

purpose similar to a snug hitch, but a hitch is tied directly to its

object. Captain John Smith mentions the NOOSE in 1627 but the

name is probably older. The knot itself is undoubtedly prehistoric

since it would be one of the first knots required by mankind for ,lA-.. '. .

snaring animals and birds needed for food. The most common use "

of the NOOSE is the commencement of a parcel lashing.

The NOOSE is sometimes called a RUNNING KNOT, but the RUN-

NING KNOT may be anyone of three things: either a NOOSE, a SLIP

KNOT or a hitch; while a NOOSE is just one thing: a knot at the end

of a rope that tightens when hauled on. Any loop becomes a NOOSE

if a bight is rove a short distance through it.

In parcel tying and in pack lashing the NOOSE should loosen easily

when pull is slackened. In lassoing and snaring the NOOSE should

tighten freely, without any binding whatsoever. But the HANGMAN'S

NOOSE, although it must run smoothly, need not run easily, since

it is already adjusted before being put to work.

There are two types of NOOSES. One is formed by reeving a bight

through a rigid loop which is tied in the running end, such as the

RUNNING BOWLINE. Any loop of Chapter 1 1 may be employed as

the base for a NOOSE of this kind. The method is pictured near the

top of page 204. The other kind is a single homogeneous knot such

as the HANGMAN'S KNOT (~I 1 19). This latter type generally can

be spilled without untying after it has been removed from its object.

To make a NOOSE of the first type: Put a loop in one end of the

rope. Then reeve a bight from the standing part of the same end

through the loop and place it around the object to be secured, or

else, if the rope is short, reeve the end its full length through the

knot.

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