Sheepshank
From 6th Kowloon Scout Group Wiki
The sheepshank is a type of knot that is used to shorten a rope or take up slack. This knot is not stable. It will fall apart under too much load or too little load.
The knot has several features which allow a rope to be shortened:
- It provides two loops, one at each end of the knot which can be used to pass another rope through
- The knot remains somewhat secure under tension; the coarser the rope the more secure it is (see Disadvantages, below)
- The knot falls apart easily when tension is removed
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Steps
Videos
Usage
Sheepshank knots are typically used for securing loads to trucks or trailers, and in sailing applications.
Disadvantages
The sheepshank was developed before the use of modern "slippery" synthetic ropes. Constructed from such ropes, under load, it can fail. It is strongly advised that an alternative knot be used.
