Square Lashing
Square lashing is a type of lashing knot used to bind poles together. Large structures can be built with a combination of square and diagonal lashing, with square lashing generally used on load bearing members and diagonal lashing usually applied to cross bracing. If any gap exists between the poles then diagonal lashing should be used.
When the turns are taken around the vertical pole they should be inside the previous turns. The ones around the cross pole should be on the outside of the previous turns. This makes sure that the turns remain parallel and hence the maximum contact between the rope and wood is maintained. Strength is improved if care is taken to lay the rope wraps and fraps in parallel with a minimum of crossing.
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Steps
- Begin with a clove hitch on the vertical pole beneath the horizontal pole and tuck the loose end under the wrapping.
- Wrap in a square fashion (behind the back pole, over the front pole, etc.) about three times around the poles.
- Frap two or three times, pulling often to work the joint as tight as possible.
- Tie two half hitches around the horizontal pole
- Cinch the half hitches into a clove hitch, an additional clove hitch may be added if desired.
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Usage
The Square Lashing is used to bind together two spars that are at right angles with one another. Square lashings are designed to be load bearing and can be used to create scaffolding.
