Basic Knots

Application

A simple way to join the ends of two ropes of similar diameters.

Pros

• Simple. Strong.

Cons

• Easy to mis-tie and end up with a much weaker “granny” knot

• Can be difficult to untie after load has been applied

• Does not work well for ropes with different diameters

Application

A simple way to join the ends of two ropes of unequal diameters.

Pros

• Simple

• Works for ropes with different diameters

• Can be easily untied (even after load has been applied)

Cons

• Can come undone (especially when load is not applied)

Application

Used to secure an item to a ring, bar, tree, or pole. For example, scouts use this knot to tie down their tents or hanging a clothese line.

Pros

• Knot slides with ease to make the loop bigger or smaller.

• Simple. Strong.

Cons

Can be difficult to untie after load has been applied

Application

Good for joining lines bearing large loads to objects. For example, tying a rope to the bow (front) of a boat, hence the name “Bowline”.

Pros

• Strong

• Can be easily untied even after large loads have been applied

Cons

• Can come undone when load is not applied or light

Application

A really cool and extremely fast way to tie the bowline. Used often by fishermen (and Moana!)

Pros

• For emergency situations where you need to quickly throw someone a line with a loop at the end

• For cold weather situations where your fingers are number or your hands won't close

Application

Used frequently in mountain climbing and search/rescue to tie a rope to a carabiner, or one's own harness.

Pros

• Simple. Strong.

• Forms a secure, non-slip loop at the end of a rope

• Visually easy to inspect

Cons

• Can be difficult to untie after load has been applied