ROPE WORK

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TerminologyA. The end, or working end, is the part of the rope in which the knot is tied.

The unused portion is called the standing part

B. A bight is a simple reverse of direction of the rope, in which the two strands do not cross each other

C. A loop is a reversal of direction in which the end crosses the standing part

D. A turn is a loop that passes around an object, often another portion of the rope

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Overhand Knot

• Simplest of knots • Jams easily and is

difficult to untie • Useful as a “back up”

knot to another knot to prevent the principle knot from becoming untied

• To Tie -Form a loop and pass the end through the loop

.

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Reef Knot

• For tying two thin ropes of equal size together

• For tying bandages because it – lies flat– will not slip– is easy to undo

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Reef Knot

• Begin with an over and under crossing

• Bring the ends back above in a reverse crossing

• The completed knot is snugged up by pulling on the ends

• To undo a reef knot -grasp the standing part and the working end of one rope and pull the two parts apart

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Other Knots

• Modified Reef Knot

• Clove Hitch

• Prussik Knot

• Munter Hitch

• Figure-Eight on a Bight

• Bowline

• Double Bowline

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Care of ropes

• Store in an opaque, vented covering

• Stored on a shelf or hook to avoid dampness

• Do not:– drag through mud or dirt– step on– ski/snowboard over (edges will cut)

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Dependent Belay System

• Belayer is tied into part of the system

• The belayer is tied off to a fixed object, and controls the rate of descend of the toboggan by means of a roped looped around their body

• “better feel” for what is going on at the other end of the rope

• May also be placing the belayer in potential danger

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Dependent Belay System - Downhill

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Independent Belay System

• Belayer is not part of the system

• Can tie off and go for help

• Belayer is less subject to potential danger

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Belayer’s Movements