Knots are fascinating things, all around us, very essential and used for many reasons everyday but very much overlooked.
Interestingly it is thought that knots actually pre-date the wheel and possibly even fire, whilst some scientists suggest they could pre-date man as gorillas tie knots, albeit simple granny knots, in the process of building their nests and weaver birds are positively adept at knot tying, by using both their beak and feet they are able to tie many knots of different shapes!
For anyone interested in becoming a tree surgeon then a very good knowledge of knot tying and being able to tie and untie them proficiently is essential, not knowing the best knot for the job you are about to undertake, or tying it incorrectly can make that job much more cumbersome and at worse it could be lethal for you or a work colleague. It is also just as essential to know how a knot will perform both when under load and when not under load.
There are hundreds of different knots used for a variety of reasons and by different professions and sports people from seamen, fishermen, surgeons (medical) and rock climbers but we will be looking at just some the basic knots most tree surgeons use on a regular basis along with a rough idea of how to tie them.
Obviously, as with all things in life, some tree surgeons / arborists will prefer using certain knots over other types of knots and it is all down to a matter of personal preference.
IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ
I am not qualified to teach people how to tie knots and the information below is just for general interest. GraftinGardeners cannot be held responsible for any injury or death that may occur should you go ahead and use any of the knots described below. Before using knots for climbing purposes you need to receive correct training from a qualified instructor and it is much more involved than just tying knots!
Knot Terminology
To begin with we will explain some of the terminology used when tying knots:
Bight
A bight is an uncrossed curve or U shape between the two ends of the rope, the working end and the standing end.
Working End / Running End
The working end which may also be called the running end, is the end of the rope where the knot will be tied.
Standing End
The standing end is found at the opposite end to the working end, the standing end is not involved in the business of making the knot.
Standing Part
The standing part is the section of rope (or whatever else that may be used such as cord or twine) found between the knot (working end) and the standing end.
Overhand Loop
When a bight is twisted to form a loop it is referred to as an overhand loop when the working end of the rope is placed on top of the standing part of the rope.
Underhand Loop
As with the overhand loop but referred to as an underhand loop when the working end of the rope is placed under the standing part of the rope.
Interlocking Elbows
An interlocking elbow is made by twisting the bight of rope twice so that it forms two crossing points.
Turn
A turn is a loop which can be made around an object, around the standing part of the rope or through rings and requires one pass.
Round Turn
A round turn involves making two passes or loops around an object, by going one further and adding another pass, makes two round turns.
Hitch
A hitch is formed when the rope is secured around an object such as a ring or to the ropes own standing part.
Bend
A bend is a type of knot that is used to tie two ropes together.
KNOTS COMMONLY USED IN TREE SURGERY CLIMBING WORK:
Bowline
The bowline is an ancient knot and in arboriculture work it is most commonly used in rigging. A very useful knot to know, its main strength is that even after being heavily loaded it still unties easily. It is essential to ensure that this knot is tied correctly and it is not recommended as a termination knot for tree climbers.
To make the knot first form a loop (turn) by making a counter clockwise turn in the standing part of the rope and then feed the working end up through the loop (turn), taking it around the back of the standing part and then feed it back down through the loop (turn). Tighten the loop (turn) and the bight made by the working end in order to set the knot.
Running Bowline
This running knot, as the name suggests, is a variation of the bowline. As with the bowline it is easy to untie after loading, works like a slip knot and makes a sliding loop which can be used for retrieving objects. This is achieved by placing or throwing the loop around the object, the loop then tightens down on the object to be retrieved when the standing line is pulled tight.
A running bowline is also frequently used for tying off limbs.
A running bowline is simply a bowline tied back upon the standing part of the line, effectively forming a sort of lasso.
Buntline
A very reliable and strong termination knot which is easy tie, the buntline is used when you need to secure a line to an object. It should be noted that when very heavily loaded it can sometimes jam.
To tie a buntline feed the end of the line through the object which the rope is to be attached to to form a loop and then cross the tail behind the loop, now cross the tail around the front of the loop and then back round and through and pull tight.
Clove Hitch
The clove hitch is a midline knot which is easy to tie and is used to send equipment such as saws up to a climber but can slip if it is overloaded. When tied as an end line knot, backed up with half hitches it is used for tying off limbs or sections of wood.
To tie a clove hitch using a karabiner when sending equipment up to a climber form a loop, then form a second loop which should be placed behind the first loop, then clip into karabiner and pull tight.
Double Figure of Eight Knot
The double figure of eight knot is a termination knot which is very secure and easy to tie although can be a bit difficult to untie after bearing a heavy load.
To tie a double figure of eight use a doubled rope and make a loop, bring the tail around the front of the rope and then around the back and then through the first loop, pull tight.
Prusik Knot
The Prusik knot is a friction hitch and one of the first hitches that most new climbers are taught. Despite there being better knots available, due to its being reliability and safety it is still a knot that is ideal for new climbers.
Unlike most of the knots mentioned within this article which are quite ancient and have been in use for a very long time, they are not accredited to anyone in particular, this one though is a relative newcomer and was developed in 1932 by a Dr Karl Prusik a keen mountaineer. For interest it is quite common to name new knots after the person who developed them.
The Prusik knot is often used by tree surgeons when they have an awkward height to scale and actually suspends the climber on their rope within a double rope system. The climber is then able to ascend and descend just by moving the hitch to the required direction.
The knot needs to be tied using a rope or cord that is much thinner than the line it is being tied to. It is also useful to know that should the rope be wet or icy then it is liable to slip.
To tie a Prusik knot use a piece of rope or cord formed into a loop, this is then wrapped around the rope, usually between three and five times, inside the loop and then pulled tight. It should be loaded with weight to test and if it slips more wraps added.
SHEET BEND
The sheet bend is quick to tie and is used for joining two ropes together, including joining ropes of different thickness together, although when not under load it does work loose and is therefore only suitable for most non-critical situations. When using for tying ropes of different thickness the thicker of the two ropes should be used as the bight.
To tie a sheet bend make a bight using the thicker rope and then pass the thinner rope through the bight entering from the bottom and then take it behind the tail and standing ends of the larger rope, after which tuck the end of the smaller rope under itself, on top of the bight to finish.
Final Words
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