Ropework

Cavemen tied knots, so did the Incas of Peru who made knotted strings instead of written figures. They may be man’s oldest tool. Knots were important to Venetians, who maintained their empire thru Maritime strength. In the middle ages, knotting acquired religious symbolism & superstitions. By 18 th century, every deep water ship was a spider’s web of rope rigging. When commercial sailing ship died, knotting seemed to have died too. Yet some people today still need knots. Rock climbers secure their ropes with care since their lives hang on them.

Care of Ropes Look for worn spots and broken fibers on the outside Look for worn spots and broken fibers on the outside Inspect the inner fiber by untrusting the rope in several places Inspect the inner fiber by untrusting the rope in several places Unwind a strand 8 inches long and break it with your hands, if it breaks a little effort, the rope is unsafe Unwind a strand 8 inches long and break it with your hands, if it breaks a little effort, the rope is unsafe All rope should be kept as dry as possible All rope should be kept as dry as possible Protect rope against chemicals Protect rope against chemicals

Standing Part End Bight End Overhand Loop Underhand Loop Parts of a Rope

Kinds of Rope Work KNOTS - used for various purposes, such as stopper, rescue and even for connecting ropes KNOTS - used for various purposes, such as stopper, rescue and even for connecting ropes BENDS – for connecting ropes of various sizes BENDS – for connecting ropes of various sizes HITCHES – tying ropes to logs, posts, trunks or other ropes. HITCHES – tying ropes to logs, posts, trunks or other ropes. - also for lashing purposes - also for lashing purposes WHIPPINGS – to stop fraying of the end of ropes WHIPPINGS – to stop fraying of the end of ropes SPLICES – tying or weaving back the strands of a rope SPLICES – tying or weaving back the strands of a rope LASHINGS – to join spars or poles together LASHINGS – to join spars or poles together

Knots Can be tied quickly and easily. Can be tied quickly and easily. Firm, dependable and capable of doing what it’s supposed to do. Firm, dependable and capable of doing what it’s supposed to do. Can be easily untied. Can be easily untied.

Whippings Means of protecting the ends of ropes from fraying. Means of protecting the ends of ropes from fraying. It binds the fiber so tightly that they can’t untwist. It binds the fiber so tightly that they can’t untwist.

A. Simple Whipping Most commonly used method. Easy to master Can be done on fine cord with strong sewing cotton, if your fingers are nimble.

B. West Country Whipping Tie square knot at the back. Tie square knot at the back. Continue within one half inch of the end. Continue within one half inch of the end. Finish of with reef knot. Finish of with reef knot. Tie square knot a few inches from the end of the rope. Tie square knot a few inches from the end of the rope. Trim end with sharp knife. Trim end with sharp knife.

A means of fastening two poles (or spars) together Qualities of a Good Lashing  Firmness – it should be string and tight, or else it is likely to fall apart when put under strain.  Neatness – proper steps should be observe because incorrect lashing can easily loosen. Lashings

Knots and Hitches used in Lashing  Stopper Knots – used to lock and prevent slipping of a clove hitch. Example: Overhand, Figure of Eight, etc.  Clove Hitch – used to start and finished almost all lashing.  Timber Hitch – Used to start a diagonal lashing because of it’s ability to tighten. Parts of Lashing  Wrapping – for connection  Frapping – for tightening