In the construction of ecological and sustainable houses, the knots represent a central axis, since they allow to make, with materials such as trunks or bamboo canes, resistant constructions that many believe impossible.
Both in camping and in Permaculture, knowing which are the most useful knots and moorings for constructions will allow you to acquire a technique with which you will be able to create as much as you propose.
In the case of knots, they must be easy to make and undo, they must be useful for their own function, they must be able to be adjusted by pulling them, and they must not slip, unless it is one of their qualities.
Unlike knots, moorings do not link two ropes or one of them with an object, but allow the union of rods or trunks.
In this note you will learn which are the knots and moorings that will help you learn the most to be able to apply them when you need it.
1. Clove hitch knot
This knot is very important, since it is from which all mooring begins. It can be done on a stick, on a pole, on a cane, or in the air.
To do this, you have to go around the trunk or cane with the rope, so that the surface is under the end. Then, make a second turn with the end, above the previous one. Make it go around the trunk a third time, but now without going over it, and insert the tip of the end inside the second turn. Adjust well by pulling firm.
This knot is very useful for sailors who need to tie a boat to the port.
2. Lumberjack Knot
This knot is formed around trees, planks, or poles so that they can be dragged, carried, or pushed. It’s quick to do and doesn’t squeeze.
To do this, fold the end back on itself and twist it several times on the end itself (never on the firmness of the rope).
3. Double cut knot
This knot is characterized by being very strong, safe and versatile. It can be used to tie a rope to a post, log or beam. In addition, it supports large loads.
To do it follow the step by step in this video:
4. Tie rod or tent tensioner knot
This knot is very useful if you often go camping, as it will allow you to tighten your tent. It has the quality of being able to shorten or lengthen as needed.
To do this, tie two separate overhand knots and pass the end between them. To secure the strap, tie the end in a loop made from the same rope. In this video you can follow the step by step:
5. Bowline Knot
The knot known as “guide ace” is one of the most used, especially by sailors and sailors. It is used to lift loads and for first aid.
It has the window not to slide or loosen; Being easy to perform and very resistant.
To do this, form a loop in the bottom of the rope, passing the end through the formed trough, going around the trough, and passing the end back through the trough. For greater security you can make a top knot or a half knot.
6. Square tie
This tie is used to join two trunks or canes so that they are perpendicular to each other. It allows you to create different structures using several of these moorings or combining them with others.
To do this, start by making a clove hitch knot on one of the logs, then twist it vertically holding the logs together. To finish, “hang” the mooring with horizontal turns and secure with a clove hitch.
It is important to tighten each turn of the tie as much as possible so that the union is resistant.
7. Diagonal lashing
Diagonal lashing is used to join two logs or canes that will not be exactly perpendicular to each other.
To do this, start with a lumberjack knot around both logs and twist the rope diagonally on both sides. Then “hang” the mooring as above and secure with a clove hitch.
8. Round or circular mooring
This tie is used to join two trunks or canes so that one is the extension of the other, that is, to obtain a greater length.
To do this, start with a clove hitch and loop around both of them as shown in the photo. You can “hang” the tie to make it more secure, as in the previous cases. To finish, close with another clove hitch.
9. Direct Attachment Lashing
To join several trunks, rods or canes to an axis, you can make a semi-fixed mooring like this one that, starting with a clove hitch, and going through the rods, allows you to join several elements with the same rope.
10. Tripod mount
This tie is used to join three trunks or canes to form a tripod, the most resistant structure when building.
To do this, you first need to make sure that the logs are far enough apart to fit the rope between them; and that the one in the center is in the opposite direction to the sides.
Then, start with a clove hitch, place half of the rope on one of the lateral trunks and intertwine it with the other two, making 3 or 4 turns, until it becomes forceful. Do not adjust too much as you will not be able to stand up your tripod.
To finish, you have to “hang” the rope in the middle of the two separations of the logs, and join both ends of the rope with a simple knot.
Tips for choosing and storing ropes
– Try to choose ropes that have a soul, a small internal rope that gives them greater security.
– Store them rolled up neatly and without twisting them.
– Do not keep them wet, as fungi may form.
– Do not dry them in the sun or fire.
– The ends must not fray. For this, the tips can be carefully burned.
Start today to learn more about this technique, which can be very useful in your next adventure!