AY Honors/Knot Tying/Answer Key

1. Define the following terms:

a. Bight: The part of the rope or line, between the end and the standing part, on which a knot is formed
b. Running end: The free end of the rope, usually shorter. This is the end of the rope in which a knot is being tied.
c. Standing part: The part of the rope between the Running end and the Standing end (the end that doesn't move, think of it as if someone is holding it)
d. Underhand loop: A loop formed by passing the running end of a line under the standing part.
e. Overhand loop: A loop formed by passing the running end of a line over the standing part.
f. Turn
g. Bend: A bend is used to tie two ropes together, as in the Sheetbend. Technically, even the Reef knot is a bend
h. Hitch: A hitch is used to tie a rope to a spar, ring or post, such as the Clove hitch. Hitches can also be used to tie one rope ONTO another rope, as in the Rolling hitch.
i. Splice: A knot formed by interweaving strands of rope rather than whole lines. More time consuming but usually stronger than simple knots.
j. Whipping: A binding knot used to prevent another line from fray.

2. Know how to care for rope.

a. Keep the rope clean.
b. Always coil a rope before storing it.
c. Make sure wet rope is dry before coiling it.
d. Return rope to its proper place after using it.

3. Describe the difference between laid rope and braided rope and list three uses of each.

In laid rope, three bundles of fiber or twine are twisted in the same direction, placed close to each other, and allowed to twist together. In braided rope, the fibers are woven together, often around some core material.

To do:
list more uses (need three each!)

Uses of Laid Rope

Repels water
Able to withstand immense strain.

Uses of Braided Rope

Works well with pulleys and rigging.
Spinning (lariats and lassos)

4. Identify the following types of rope:

a. Manila: Manila is a type of fiber obtained from the leaves of the abacá (Musa textilis), a relative of the banana. It is mostly used to make ropes and it is one of the most durable of the natural fibers, besides true hemp. Manila is a coarse, brown fiber, about the same color and feel as a coconut shell.
b. Sisal: Sisal is valued for cordage use because of its strength, durability, ability to stretch, affinity for certain dyestuffs, and resistance to deterioration in saltwater. Sisal ropes and twines are widely employed for marine, agricultural (bailing twine), and general industrial use. Sisal fibers are smooth, straight and yellow and can be long or short.
c. Nylon: Nylon rope is often white, but any color is possible. It has a smooth, silky feeling to it, and it coils easily. Nylon rope does not float in water. It is a synthetic-fiber rope.
d. Polypropylene: Polypropylene rope is most often yellow, though any color is possible. It is often used in marine applications because it floats in water. The rope is sometimes difficult to tie as it is somewhat stiff and brittle. It is a synthetic-fiber rope.

The easiest way to make an initial identification of a rope is to visit a hardware store where rope is sold. The packaging will tell you what the rope is made of. If you want to be sure, buy some of each type (with the labeling) or examine it closely in the store.

5. What are some advantages and disadvantages of synthetic rope?

6. Do the following to rope:

a. Splice

b. Eye splice

c. Back splice

d. Finish the end of a rope with a double crown, whipping, or a Matthew Walker's knot.

7. Make a six-foot piece of three-strand twisted rope from native materials or twine.

Adventist Youth Honors Answer Book/Knots/Making rope

8. From memory tie at least 20 of the following knots and know their common uses and limitations. Demonstrate how they are used.

References

List of Knots on Wikipedia

"Why Knot? an introduction to knots, splices & rope" DVD and rope available through AdventSource.org. Every requirement is completely covered by this resource.

AY Honors/Knot Tying/Answer Key

1. Define the following terms:

2. Know how to care for rope.

3. Describe the difference between laid rope and braided rope and list three uses of each.

Uses of Laid Rope

Uses of Braided Rope

4. Identify the following types of rope:

5. What are some advantages and disadvantages of synthetic rope?

6. Do the following to rope:

a. Splice

b. Eye splice

c. Back splice

d. Finish the end of a rope with a double crown, whipping, or a Matthew Walker's knot.

7. Make a six-foot piece of three-strand twisted rope from native materials or twine.

8. From memory tie at least 20 of the following knots and know their common uses and limitations. Demonstrate how they are used.

Anchor bend

Bowline

Bowline on a bight

Butterfly loop knot or Alpine butterfly knot

Carrick bend

Cat's paw

Clove hitch

Constrictor knot

Crown knot

Double bow

Double sheet bend

Figure eight

Fisherman's bend

Fisherman's loop

Halter hitch

Hunter's bend

Lariat or Bowstring knot

Lark's head

Man harness knot

Miller's knot

Packer's knot

Pipe hitch

Prusik knot

Sheepshank

Sheet bend

Slip knot

Slipped half hitch

Slipped sheet bend

Square knot

Stevedore's knot

Strangle knot

Surgeon's knot

Tautline hitch

Timber hitch

Two half hitches

References