What is good about a Bowline?
It creates a secure loop that doesn’t slip or bind, is easy to untie, and can be used for many purposes.
What is bad about a Bowline?
It can be impossible to untie under tension, and can weaken the rope quicker than other knots.
When would you use a Bowline?
For attaching to other ropes, sails anchors - basically anything that requires a secure binding.
What is good about a Clove Hitch?
They are easily adjustable and easy to tie and untie.
What is bad about a Clove Hitch?
It is less secure than many other knots, such as the older brother, the Round Turn and Two Half Hitches.
When would you use a Sheet Bend?
For attaching something quickly that may need to be adjusted, such as a fender when approaching a dock.
What is good about a Figure of Eight knot?
It is quick to tie, very secure as a stopper knot, and easy to untie even after years of use.
What is bad about a Figure of Eight knot?
It can come loose easily if not tightened or too close to the end of a line, and may be undone by mistake by novices.
When would you use a Figure of Eight knot?
To stop something passing through an eye or bracket.
When would you use a Sheet Bend?
To attach two pieces of similar (but not identical) ropes together.
What is good about a Sheet Bend?
It is strong and reliable, and can handle significant loads. It shares a list of pros with the Bowline.
What is bad about a Sheet Bend?
There seems to be very little!
What is good about a Rolling Hitch?
It can be used in a pinch to take the strain off of a rope jammed under load or riding a winch.
What is bad about a Rolling Hitch?
You will rarely need to use one.
When should you use a Rolling Hitch?
To remove the strain from a rope and put it on something else.
What is good about Round Turn and Two Half Hitches?
It can hold significant loads, and does not put strain on the knot itself, making it easy to untie.
What is bad about a Round Turn and Two Half Hitches?
It is less easy to adjust than other types of hitch, such as a Clove Hitch.
When would you use a Round Turn and Two Half Hitches?
To bind something heave to something, such as a mooring to a post.
What is good about a Reef Knot?
While rarely used, it can be useful for lashing two ends of the same rope together.
What is bad about the Reef Knot?
It can very easily slip, even when done correctly.
When would you use a Reef Knot?
To lash two ends of the same rope (or two identical ropes) together. NEVER use a Reef Knot to join to different ropes.
What is good about a Double Sheet Bend?
It is more secure when the two lines being tied together are of significantly different thickness.
What is bad about a Double Sheet Bend?
It is harder to undo than a regular sheet bend.
When would you use a Double Sheet Bend?
When the two ropes being tied together are of different thicknesses.
