Fury - The Useful Knots Book

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No part of this document may be reproduced without written consent from the author.

This publication has the approval of Bert Luxing, creator of the Survival Fitness Plan.

COMMON TERMS

For ease of explanation when describing how to tie knots the following terminology will be used.

Any bend in-between the ends of the rope which does not cross over itself.

The point where the rope crosses over itself.

Refers to the weight of the object being secured, e.g., if you are pulling a log then the log is the load.

Similar to a bight but the ends cross over, hence creating a closed circle.

An overhand loop is when the running end lies over the top of the standing part. An underhand loop is opposite (the standing part lies on top of the running end).

A generic term used in this book that refers to cord, rope, string, twine, or whatever material which is being used to tie a knot.

The part of the rope used to tie the knot. Also known as the working end.

The part of the rope other than the running end.

Shock load occurs when there is a sudden increase in load. In such a case the load will be much more than the actual weight of the object. An example of this is when a climber falls and his/her weight suddenly loads the rope.

A single wrap of the rope around an object. A round turn (pictured) is where the object is completely encircled.

ROPE CARE

Proper rope care will prolong its strength and usability. The same basic rules apply whether you have high quality climbing rope or hand-made twine from plant fibers.

There are many things that will increase deterioration. When possible, avoid the following:

• Animals. Animals can gnaw and scratch at rope.
• Corrosives. Chlorine, markers, oils, paints, petrol, and all other chemicals and corrosives should be avoided.
• Dampness. Constant damp conditions will weaken the structure of the rope.
• Heat. This includes fire, friction, electronic heat sources, etc. Beware that rope rubbing on rope will cut rope.
• Direct Sunlight. Ultra violet rays will deteriorate the rope.
• Dirt. Dirt can work its way into rope making it stiff and brittle. Avoid leaving rope directly on the ground and be careful of stepping on it.
• Sharp edges. Sharp edges will cut rope. Be careful of glass, metals, rock, etc. Place something between the rope and any sharp edges for protection, e.g., lay carpet over the rock you need to pass the rope over.

This refers to the protection of the ends of the rope. There are basically two ways to prevent fraying.

Fusing is done by melting the ends.

Whipping is done by using a smaller string to bind the tips of the rope.

Whipping is better than fusing but takes more time. A combination of whipping and fusing is the best.

There are a few ways to whip a rope. Here is a simple and effective way.

Lay your whipping string along the rope. Wrap around the rope five to ten times in such a way that the string will hold itself in place.

Make a bight with the string and then continue to wrap around the bight and the rope five to ten times. Thread the end of the string through the bight and the pull the other end so that the bight clamps down to secure the string in place. Trim the ends.

Rope can be periodically cleaned to help prolong its use. It should be hand washed in cold water with mild soap. Rinse the soap out and then air dry it. Avoid direct sunlight and do not use any artificial heating source.

Flaking is a good way to make the rope ready-to-use as it removes kinks and ensures that it will feed out smoothly.

First take out any knots.

To flake the rope, find one end and lay it on the ground. Pull the rest of the rope through your loose fist and let it fall to the floor.

Coiling rope makes it easy to carry, use and store. It will prevent it from tangles and kinks.