Tying knots isn't just for Boy Scouts or sailors. Anyone who has ever needed to tie a boat, repair the roof of their home, or rescue someone from an emergency situation should know how to tie at least one knot.
The following list includes 13 life hacks that will help you learn and remember some fundamental knots:
1. The Zeppelin Bend
This knot is named after the German airships (zeppelins) that used it to moor their ships to their docking towers. The Zeppelin Bend is one of the strongest knots you can tie and is great for joining two ropes together.
To tie this knot, start by making a loop in one rope and passing the end of the other rope through it. Make a second loop in the first rope and pass the end of the second rope through it. Now pull both ropes tight. You've now tied the two ropes together with a Zeppelin Bend!
2. The Basic Slipknot
The basic slipknot is one of the most useful knots to know. It's easy to tie and can be used for a variety of purposes, including securing a rope to a post or tree.
To tie a basic slipknot, start by making a loop in the rope. Next, take the end of the rope and pass it over the top of the loop. Now pull the end of the rope through the loop. You've now tied a basic slipknot!
3. The Square Knot
The square knot is another essential knot that every survivalist should know how to tie. It's often used to join two pieces of rope together, but can also be used to secure a tarp or tent.
To tie a square knot, start by threading one end of the rope through the loop of the other end. Then, tie a basic overhand knot with the two ends of the rope. Next, take the end of the rope that's currently in your left hand and thread it over the top of the rope in your right hand. Finally, pull both ends of the rope tight to secure the knot.
4. The Taut-Line Hitch
It’s is a versatile knot that can be used to adjust the tension on a rope. It's often used to secure a tarp or tent, but can also be used to tie down a load on a trailer or boat.
To tie the knot, start by threading the rope through the object you're securing. Then, make a loop around the standing part of the rope and pull it through the loop. Next, take the end of the rope and make a loop around the standing part. Finally, pull the end of the rope through both loops.
5. The Fisherman's Knot
It’s is a great all-purpose knot. It's strong and secure, making it perfect for the fishing line. But it can also be used to tie two ropes together. This knot is also known as the True Lover's Knot because it's often used by couples who want to symbolize their everlasting love.
6. The Double Fisherman's Knot
The double fisherman's knot is a variation of the fisherman's knot that is used to join two pieces of rope together. It's even stronger and more secure than the regular fisherman's knot, making it ideal for use in survival situations.
7. The Figure-Eight Knot
The figure-eight knot is most commonly used by rock climbers, as it is very secure and can be easily tied and untied even when wet. It is also known as the Flemish knot.
To tie a figure-eight knot, start by making a loop in the rope and passing the end around the standing part of the rope. Next, make another loop with the end and pass it through the first loop. Finally, pull on both standing parts of the rope to tighten the knot.
8. The Prusik Knot
This is a great knot for ascending and descending ropes, as well as for creating emergency hauling systems.
To tie a Prusik knot, start by making a loop in one end of your rope. Then, take another rope and wrap it around the first rope, passing through the loop you just made. Next, tie an overhand knot in the second rope, making sure that the end of the rope is facing the same direction as the loop you made in the first rope. Finally, pull on both ends of the first rope to cinch everything tight.
9. The Sheet Bend
The sheet bend is a handy knot to know for joining two ropes of different thicknesses together. You tie the sheet bend by threading the end of one rope through the loop of the other, then around behind and back up through the loop. Pull tight, and you’re done!
10. The Hangman's Knot
It’s is a knot most commonly used for executions by hanging. The knot is placed under the chin and behind the left ear. A rope is then passed around the neck and tied to a beam or other support. The victim stands on a trapdoor or stool, which is then released, causing them to drop and die from strangulation.
11. The Noose
The noose is a loop of rope that is tightened around the neck. It can be used to hang someone or to strangle them. The noose is a very deadly knot and should only be used as a last resort.
To tie a noose, first, make a loop in the rope. Then, put the loop around the person's neck and pull tight. The noose will get tighter and tighter the more you pull on it, so be careful not to pull too hard.
12. The Slip Knot
The slip knot is one of the most basic knots and is used as a starting point for many other knots. To tie a slip knot, start with a long rope or cord. Make a loop in the rope, and then tie another loop around it. Pull-on both ends of the cord to tighten the knot.
13. The Two Half Hitches
It is most commonly used for tying a rope to a tree or pole. To tie this knot, start by making a loop around the object you're tying the rope to. Take the end of the rope and make another loop through the first loop. Pull both ends of the rope tight.
Conclusion
There are many different types of knots out there, and each has its own specific purpose. However, these 13 knots are some of the most essential knots that everyone should know how to tie. In a survival situation, being able to tie the right knot can mean the difference between life and death. So take some time to learn these knots and practice tying them so that you'll be prepared for anything.
If you want to learn more knots with step-by-step illustrations we suggest you to take a look at our knot-tying book series here!
