Water Knot

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Page22 Waterknot1What could be simpler than tying two overhand knots to form a water knot? Its use goes back to commercial fisherman who needed to tie the ends of two wet fishing lines together.

To tie two ropes together of man-made fiber, it’s a simple knot with little bulk and above all, it’s a knot that will not fail. In pioneering, whenever you’re using ropes made of man-made fibers that are braided and slick and don’t hold knots well, think of the water knot.

Begin the water knot by tying a loose overhand knot in the end of one rope, then bring the end of the other rope over and under the first overhand knot, following the same path in reverse.

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PIONEERING — USES

  • To tie together the ends of two wet or slippery ropes.
  • To make a grommet (loop) using all types of rope (braided or twisted). Keep in mind that once strain is put on the knot, it will be hard to untie.
  • To tie together the ends of halyards.
  • To tie the ends of flat nylon webbing to make a grommet (loop) or sling.