KNOTS AND HITCHES

OBJECTIVE Learning Outcome 13 Form Standard Knots.

Assessment Criteria 13

13.1 List basic knots. 13.2 List types of standard knots.

REFERENCES a. Manual of Firemanship : Fire Brigade Equipment Book 2 Chapter 13.

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KNOTS AND HITCHES

INTRODUCTION The list of knots, bends and hitches given in this chapter is by no means exhaustive and additional knots may be used, but for normal fire brigade purposes the range described is considered sufficient. Every fireman should not only be familiar with each of these knots, but should know their uses, so that when the occasion arises he will immediately know which is the best knot for the particular job in hand. ELEMENTS OF BENDS AND HITCHES Most bends and hitches consist of a combination of two or more of the elements: a. b. c. d. A Bight A Round Turn A Half Hitch A Twist A Twist A Bight

A Round Turn

A Half Hitch

Figure 1: Beginning of Bend THE TYPES OF BEND STRAP Here are the types of bonds commonly used in the Fire Services they are: a. Overhand knot. The overhand knot(5 is formed by laying the end of the line over the standing part and bringing it under and up through the bight. The knot, which is also known as a 'thumb knot' is mainly used to prevent a line unreeving through a block. In fire brigade use, the overhand knot is tied in a burst or damaged length of hose to identify it while it is still laid out.

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Figure 2: Overhead Knot b. Figure of Eight . The figure-of-eight knot is an alternative to the overhand knot. It is made by laying the end of the line over the standing part and then bringing the end round underneath the standing part and down through the bight. This knot is also used as a stopper to prevent a line unreeving through an eye or block.

Figure 3: Figure of Eight c. Reef Knot. The reef knot is one of the most useful of all knots. It consists of two overhand knots made consecutively, and is used as a common tie for bending together two lines of approximately equal size. Its method of formation can be clearly but care must be taken to cross the ends opposite ways each time they are knotted (i.e. right over left and under, then left over right and under, or vice versa), otherwise the result will be a 'granny' which will slip or jam depending upon whether it is made with or against the lay of the line. A reef knot lies very neatly and flat, and the free ends lie parallel, whereas ill the granny, the ends are at right angles.

Figure 4: Reef Knot

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d. Fisherman's Knot. The fisherman's knot is an alternative to the reef knot, and is used to join lines of equal thickness. A loose overhand knot is made in each end of the lines so that the bight of each knot encloses the other line. Each knot is hauled taut separately and then the two knots are drawn together. This is sometimes known as a 'sliding double overhand knot'. The fisherman's knot does not jam so tightly as other knots when subjected to heavy strain, nor when left tied for long periods. It is generally used by fireboat personnel.

Figure 5: Fishermans Knot e. Single Sheet Bend. The single sheet bend is formed by passing the end of the thinner line up through the bight in the thicker line, behind the two parts of the thicker line and under its own standing part, this forming a locking half hitch round the thicker line. .

Figure 6: Single Sheet Bend f. Double Sheet Bend. Its use is similar to the 'Single Sheet Bend'. Except that the thinner line is given an additional turn round both parts of the thicker line before locking the half hitch. A double sheet bend should be used when joining wet lines or lines of man-made fibre whether wet or dry as the extra turn makes the knot more

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Figure 7: Double Sheet Bend g. Clove hitch. A clove hitch consists of two half hitches, one of which is reversed. By passing over one another, the parts of the line bind and form a secure hitch which can be easily untied but which will not slip under a steady direct strain. It will, however, slip if subjected to a sideways strain and when this is required a rolling hitch (q.v.) should be used. Line bind and form a secure hitch which can be easily untied but which will not slip under a steady direct strain. It will, however, slip if subjected to a sideways strain and when this is required a rolling hitch (q.v.) should be used. the clove hitch can be used for hoisting many items of fire brigade equipment.

Figure 8: Clove Hitch h. Rolling Hitch. The rolling hitch is a variant of the clove hitch and is started and finished in the same manner, but an intermediate round turn is made between the two half hitches; this intermediate round turn passes over the standing part. This knot has the advantage that it will not slip in the direction in which the double turn is applied if it is subjected to a sideways pull.

Figure 9: Rolling Hitch

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j. Round Turn and Two Half Hitches. A round turn and two half hitches is formed by making a round turn on a spar or rope, and making two locking half hitches (a clove hitch) on the standing part of the line. The end of the line can then, if desired, be seized to the standing part. This combination is used to secure a line to a spar, ring or to any round object, or to another line. It has the advantage that whatever stress is applied, the knot will not jam, yet after the weight is removed, it is easy to untie.

Figure 10: Round Turn and Two Half Hitches k. Fisherman's Bend. The fisherman's bend is an alternative to the round turn and two half hitches, and is made by forming a round turn on the spar or other line to be secured, then making a half hitch round the standing part in such a way that it passes through the round turn. A further half hitch is then made with the end on the standing part. The end should be stopped to the standing part.

Figure 11: Fishermans Bend

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l. Timber Hitch. A timber hitch (1 is made by putting a half hitch on the standing part of a line (after passing the line round the object to be secured) and twisting the end back again round its own standing part of the hitch with the lay of the line.

Figure 12: Timber Hitch m. Catspaw. The catspaw is principally used for attaching a line to a hook.

Figure 13: Catspaw n. Bowline. The bowline forms a non-slipping noose and is useful for lowering or raising purposes, and can also be used to make a temporary eye in lines of all sizes. Another purpose of the bowline is to attach a line round the waist when it is necessary to trail a line, and every fireman should be able to tie a bowline round his own waist with his eyes closed.

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Figure 14: Bowline o. Running Bowline. A running bowline can be put on a ring, bolt, spar or other object, the ends of which are secured so that .the noos cannot be slipped over, by passing the line round the object, l.ead mg It under the standing part and back, and then tying a bowline on the loop so formed. A running bowline should never be placed round a person's body.

Figure 15: Running Bowline p. Bowline On The Bight. This knot is used as a sling for rescue purposes. For this the two bights and which are formed (3 are passed one under the knees and the other under the armpits of the person to be rescued.

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Figure 16: Bowline On The Bight q. Chair Knot. A chair knot is used for making a sling for rescue work when a lowering line with legs is not available, or when an injured person has to be lowered on an improvised stretcher.

Figure 17: Chair Knot r. Sheepshank. A sheepshank is used to shorten the bight of a line temporarily without cutting it.

Figure 18: Sheepshank

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s. Draw Hitch. Used for binding things round or oval. Division standing part 'can be put under pressure and another part to loosed. Can be used by rescuers to descend from the high. Be tied by a rope without having to climb in a bound.

Figure 19: Draw Hitch t. Running Knot or Slippery Hitch. One part of the bond can be under pressure and another part can be opened with immediate effect. However, this type of bond is less safe to use compared to 'Draw hitch '.

Figure 20: Running Knot or Slippery Hitch u. Carrick Bend. Used for connecting two strings.

Figure 21: Carrick Bend

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CONCLUSION As fire fighters, you must be familiar with all the ties and knots. This is because the safety of the victim to be saved depends on the efficiency you make connections and knots.

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