Knotty problem

[madelinew]

What's the best knot for securing a tarp? Or for guy-ropes in general. Should I just pull the cord tightly and anchor it to the ground or is it best to set it up as a guy-rope so that it can be adjusted and tightened if necessary? I'm not good with knots (understatement) and have been known to improvise with a slip knot on tent guy-ropes which - well - slip. Especially when it's peeing with rain as it was last time I did this and the ropes were soaked through and very slippery.

[robin wood]

If you can't tie a knot tie a lot. :D

[scanker]

For guy ropes I'd use a Tautline hitch (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taut-line_hitch) at the tarp end (so you can adjust tension from in bed) and a clove hitch with the loose end around your peg.

Some sort of slip knot at one end of the tarp (slipped figure of eight) and a tensioning hitch at the other (either trucker's hitch or the one where you loop back and forth to tension - can't remember the name of that one).

HTH.

[tyfy]

I recently got my first tarp and I was wondering about knots as well.

I am going to try the Siberian hitch (http://www.outdooridiots.com/features/200606/pitchingatarp/pitchingatarp4.asp) for the slip knot at one end of the Ridge line.

To tension it I am going to use either the tarp taut hitch (http://www.outdooridiots.com/features/200606/pitchingatarp/pitchingatarp4.asp) or the Powercinch (http://www.bushcraftnorthwest.com/articles/Knots.htm)

As for the guys I have been practising the Tensioning Hitch (http://www.bushcraftnorthwest.com/articles/Knots.htm). Guy rope fixed at the peg and tensioned at the tarp end.

I will also be using either the Prussik (http://www.animatedknots.com/prusikrescue/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.j pg&Website=www.animatedknots.com) or Klemheist (http://www.animatedknots.com/klemheist/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.j pg&Website=www.animatedknots.com) to tension the ridgeline of the tarp when either suspended or draped over the ridge line.

Most knots mentioned in this post (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=405495&postcount=9).

I like the idea they are quick release as long as they don't quick release in the middle of the night on top of me :D

[madelinew]

Funny thing is I am brilliant at tying a secure knot for my garden hammock which involves some complicated figure of eight back on itself kind of movement with a doubled up nylon rope. I learnt it while watching the instructors anchor a rope for my daughter's climbing class but I have no idea what it's called!

[madelinew]

And I must confess that I momentarily forgot how to tie said knot when setting up hammock at the weekend and ended up with a very sore backside as a result.....

Like the look of the tautline hitch and it looks nice and straightforward. And hey - I know the name of a knot.

[tyfy]

Does it look like this (http://www.chockstone.org/TechTips/BunnyEars.htm) or this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figure-of-eight_loop)?

EDIT - As I re read your post I saw that it was a climbing class so probably this (http://www.animatedknots.com/fig8follow/).

[Twoflower]

Funny thing is I am brilliant at tying a secure knot for my garden hammock which involves some complicated figure of eight back on itself kind of movement with a doubled up nylon rope. I learnt it while watching the instructors anchor a rope for my daughter's climbing class but I have no idea what it's called!

That would be a Figure of Eight knot :rolleyes:

The other regularly used knot used in climbing (but not in classes) is the bowline.

[madelinew]

Excellent. Now I know the name of 2 knots that I can actually do. I do like that figure of eight one. Not only can I tie it and not only does it stop my hammock collapsing on me but it feels like I'm tying a "proper knot" too!

And tyfy it is exactly like the last one you linked.

You wouldn't believe I used to be a girl guide. Can't remember anything about guides beyond the fact I hated it.

[dommyracer]

If you can't tie a knot tie a lot. :D

Not the best advice - tying knots in a rope lessens its load bearing capability - so the more knots you tie, the weaker it will become.

Best to learn a few choice knots and use them properly.

For Tarp, it's Evenk / Siberian hitch at one end, and tarp taut at the other, with the Tautline hitch for the guys, or sometimes those little plastic tensioners.

I use Evenk hitch for a hammock as well.

[madelinew]

Well just so you know folks, my keyboard is now surrounded by bits of string tied in a variety of ways!

[Cobweb]

Just wanted to mention that I was in the guides for a while and I thought it were rubbish as well.

[madelinew]

Cheers Michelle - it's good to meet a fellow guide hater :-)

Fortunately, my daughter has run out of steam with Brownies and shows no inclination of moving on to Guides. My son is in the very worthy Sea Scouts where they seem to be nurturing a very healthy level of pyromania amongst the boys involved.

[madelinew]

While the scouts are off kayaking next week and I sit and guard the kit on the beach as usual, I'll see how many different knots I can tie to impress Number One when he comes back. That or he'll be very unimpressed to come back and find all his lovely ropes in a tangled mess.....

Probably with me tangled up inside.

[MartiniDave]

:lmao: :lmao:

That post paints a vivid picture!

Dave - Grinning from ear to ear in the middle of an office full of sour faces!

[madelinew]

Scouts performing pyromania or me trapped in a tangle of ropes?

Whichever, I'm glad to be of service Dave!

Now how do I get emoticons into my postings?

[MartiniDave]

Not the scouts, It's the image of you doing freestyle cat's cradle on the beach!

Thanks again.

Dave

[madelinew]

Freestyle cats cradle. Now that I am going to adopt for the type of knot I've invented - much easier to remember, pronounce and spell than Gordian...................