Karl Fisher’s guide to
Knots and ropework
This explanation is to show some useful knots and ropework that should cover most of the applications that ski patrollers are likely to need on a regular basis.
Knot tying is a practice skill. With some practice it will come quickly and easily. Please feel free to reach out for help with these or other knots. Often the patrol room or Aspen house duties leave time for quality practice.
Some definitions
Knot
A configuration of rope used to fasten that rope to another rope or object, or to modify part of a rope for a specific purpose (possibly making part of the rope thicker so it does not slide through another loop for instance).
Splice
To interweave the strands of a rope together to permanently join two ropes together, form an eye in the rope, or finish the end of a rope so it does not fray. Splices usually do not increase the diameter of the rope as much as a knot would in the same application.
Bend
A type of knot used to attach one rope to another rope
Bight
A loop in the rope, which may or may not cross itself.
Eye
A loop in the end of a rope, temporary (using a knot) or permanent (using a splice)
Hitch
A type of knot used to attach a rope to a solid object (tree, ring, bamboo pole, toboggan horns, etc.).
Working part
The part of a rope you are manipulating to make the knot. Often the free end.
Standing part
The part of a rope on the opposite side of the knot from the free end – towards the main length of the rope.
Strap
A short length of rope with an eye in one or both ends. I find them quite useful on patrol. I often use them for attaching other ropes to trees or branches, and as increased drag for the toboggan chain in icy conditions.
Practical knots are often considered to have the following characteristics:
They are easy to tie.
They are secure once in place (do not untie themselves easily).
They do not jam under strain, allowing them to be easily untied when appropriate.
They are easy to recognize, so as to be able to tell if they are tied correctly.
A small number of knots will cover the most common applications of ropework for the ski patrol
(Click on the images for a full description on how to tie them)
Becket bend
(AKA Sheet Bend) – for joining two ropes. This is a secure bend that works well even if the ropes are not the same size.
Reef (Square) knot
For cinching down on something (like keeping a bandage in place) – note this is often used in the same applications as a Becket bend, but is not nearly as secure when joining two ropes together.
Bowline
For making an eye in the end of a rope
Clove Hitch
Used to secure a rope around an object (such as bamboo)
Eye splice
To put a permanent eye in the end of the rope. Also keeps the end from fraying.
Butterfly knot
for making a loop in the middle of the rope without reducing the strength of the rope too much.
Two half hitches
Used to form a sliding knot along another rope or section of rope (tied identically to the clove hitch except this one is around a rope).
Some Applications
Video showing the Poldo Tackle