Page 96 - The Ashley Book of Knots

SINGLE-STRAND STOPPER OR TERMINAL KNOTS

529. The SLIP KNOT is closely related to the OVERHAND KNOT, the

difference between the two being in the treatment of the end. In the

former the end is doubled before it is finally tucked. To untie, all that

is required is a smarr pull on the end of the rope, which withdraws

the loop and causes the knot to spill instantly. A SLIP KNOT may be

tied in the bight as readily as in the end, but the load must be on the

. standing part of the knot only. It is used wherever the necessity to

cast off suddenly may arise.

Carpenters tie it in the end of a weighted sash cord before the sash
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is put in place. It is also used in adjusting a plumb bob.

In chandleries it is tied in the ends of wicks, and after the wax has

hardened the knot is untied before removing the candle from the

mold.

The SLIP KNOT is given in Moore's British Mariner's Vocabulary,

1801. The name has been loosely applied to a number of other un-

related knots.

530. A FIGURE-EIGHT KNOT may be slipped in the same manner as

the above. This is about as easy to tie as a SLIP KNOT and is larger and

much less prone to jam.

531. A FIGURE-EIGHT KNOT tied in the doubled end makes a

strong, bulky knot for a violin string, which may be needed if the

hole has been much worn. It is larger than '# 5 [8, which is also used

for the purpose.

The same knot may be tied in the bight of a line, and either or both

ends may be pulled, but the pull should not be on both ends unless the

two parts have a parallel lead.

532. A HARNESS Loop (see also # 1050), If a stopper is required in

the bight of a line where the pull may come from either direction, this

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knot wiII serve the purpose satisfactorily,

533. This Loop KNOT, which is '# 1055 of Chapter 1 I, may be used

in the same way. It is more secure than the foregoing and is, in con-

sequence, a little harder to untie.

In putting any of the knots in this chapter to work, if the hole is

much larger than the rope, the use of a washer is advisable.

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