(NationRise.com) – Sometimes people take things for granted; it’s simply the way life has become with the advancement of technology. It just so happens that under the right circumstances, some of these things, like knots, can save lives. But how many people know how to tie more than just their shoes? Consider some of the following knots that everyone should know.
Square Knot
The square knot can work for a number of applications. This knot can connect lines or secure heavy loads. The best part is that this one is easy to tie. All you need to do is lap one rope, right over left, and pull it under. Then, tie the same knot again, but this time in the opposite direction as the first.
Prusik Knot
This knot can be a serious help when climbing a rope, both ascending and descending. The Prusik knot requires a shorter length of rope in combination with a longer rope. First, you need to tie a loop into the shorter rope using a secure knot; the square mentioned before would work well.
Next, wrap the loop around the longer rope three times and make sure each wrap is flat against the longer rope. Pass the loop of the shorter rope under itself, pull it tight and you have a Prusik knot. The knot stays tight as long as there is a load on it; taking weight off of the knot will allow you to slide it up or down the longer rope.
Barrel Hitch
While this isn’t necessarily a knot, it’s still as useful as they come. The barrel hitch can help lift cylindrical objects and has been a mainstay in construction and sailing for hundreds of years. To tie a barrel hitch, you first need to place the item you’re attempting to lift on top of your rope. Next, tie an overhand knot on the top of the item and open the knot until it’s big enough to wrap around the top sides. Tie the two ends of the rope, once again using the square knot, then lift the object. The barrel hitch is a reliable replacement for broken bucket handles.
Clove Hitch
This one is an easy knot to tie, but it will slip when not reinforced with another knot. To tie the clove hitch, make a loop around a tree or other object. Create another loop, pass the free end of your rope under the second loop, and it’s ready to tighten. When tying this hitch to a post or other object, simply make a loop and put it over the top of the object. Next, make another loop and pass it over the top, just above the first loop, and tighten.
Tripod Lashing
Shelter is a must in any survival situation, and the tripod lashing is an excellent way to secure logs and branches together. First, you need to find three sticks, branches or logs that are almost identical in size and length. Lay the three poles next to each other on the ground and side by side. Next, tie a clove hitch to one end of the poles and wrap the rope around all of them 4-6 times.
You’ll need to wrap the rope around itself between the poles twice, working against the original knot. To finish, tie one end of the rope to the other. When you need to use this tripod, simply open the legs; this is especially useful for cooking over a campfire.
Useful Knowledge
These are only a few of the many knots that can be useful for a number of reasons. You might never use any of them, but you’ll be thankful you have the knowledge if you ever need it. As always, practice tying these knots before just assuming you know how to; it could literally become a matter of life or death.
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