Splices, Timber-Hitches, etc.
Although splices may not be as useful to boys as knots and hitches, for the benefit of those among my readers who are interested in the subject, I have introduced a few bands and splices on the cables partly surrounding [Fig. 186]½.
[Fig. 186½], a shows the knot and upper side of a "simple band."
[Fig. 186½], b shows under side of the same.
[Fig. 186½], c and d show a tie with cross-ends. To hold the ends of the cords, a turn is taken under the strands.
Fig. 187.
[Fig. 186½], e and f: Bend with cross-strands, one end looped over the other.
[Fig. 186½], g shows the upper side of the "necklace tie."
[Fig. 186½], h shows the under side of the same. The advantage of this tie is that the greater the strain on the cords, the tighter it draws the knot.
[Fig. 186½], i and j are slight modifications of g and h.
[Fig. 186½], p shows the first position of the end of the ropes for making the splice k. Untwist the strands and put the ends of two ropes together as close as possible, and place the strands of the one between the strands of the other alternately, so as to interlace, as in k. This splice should only be used when there is not time to make the "long splice," as the short one is not very strong.
From l to m is a long splice, made by underlaying the strands of each of the ropes joined about half the length of the splice, and putting each strand of the one between two of the other; q shows the strands arranged for the long splice.
[Fig. 186½] n is a simple mode of making a hitch on a rope.
[Fig. 186½], o is a "shroud knot."
[Fig. 186½], r shows a very convenient way to make a handle on a rope, and is used upon large ropes when it is necessary for several persons to take hold to pull.
[Fig. 187], A. Combination of half-hitch and timber-hitch.
[Fig. 187], B. Ordinary half-hitch.
[Fig. 187], C. Ordinary timber-hitch.
[Fig. 187], D. Another timber-hitch, called the "clove-hitch."
[Fig. 187], E. "Hammock-hitch," used for binding bales of goods or cloth.
[Fig. 187], F. "Lark-head knot," used by sailors and boatmen for mooring their crafts.
[Fig. 187], P shows a lark-head fastening to a running knot.
[Fig. 187], G is a double-looped lark-head.
[Fig. 187], H shows a double-looped lark-head knot fastened to the ring of a boat.
Fig. 187½.—Timber-hitches, etc.
[Fig. 187], I is a "treble lark-head." To make it you must first tie a single lark-head, then divide the two heads and use each singly, as shown in the diagram.
[Fig. 187], J shows a simple boat knot with one turn.
[Fig. 187], K. "Crossed running knot." It is a strong and handy tie, not as difficult to make as it appears to be.
[Fig. 187], L is the bow-line knot, described by the diagrams XII and XIII ([Fig. 186]). The free end of the knot is made fast by binding it to the "bight," or the loop. It makes a secure sling for a man to sit in at his work among the rigging.
[Fig. 187], M, N, and O. "Slip clinches," or "sailors' knots."
[Fig. 187½], Q shows a rope fastened by the chain-hitch. The knot at the left-hand end explains a simple way to prevent a rope from unravelling.
[Fig. 187½], R. A timber-hitch; when tightened the line binds around the timber so that it will not slip.
[Fig. 187½], S. Commencement of simple lashing knot.
[Fig. 187½], T. Simple lashing knot finished.
[Fig. 187½], U. "Infallible loop;" not properly a timber-hitch, but useful in a variety of ways, and well adapted for use in archery.
[Fig. 187½], V. Same as R, reversed. It looks like it might give way under a heavy strain, but it will not.
[Fig. 187½], W. Running knot with two ends.
[Fig. 187½], X. Running knot with a check knot that can only be opened with a marline-spike.
[Fig. 187½], Y. A two-ended running knot with a check to the running loops. This knot can be untied by drawing both ends of the cord.
[Fig. 187½], Z. Running knot with two ends, fixed by a double Flemish knot. When you wish to encircle a timber with this tie, pass the ends on which the check knot is to be through the cords before they are drawn tight. This will require considerable practice.
[Fig. 187½], a shows an ordinary twist knot.
[Fig. 187½], a1 shows the form of loop for builder's knot.
[Fig. 187½], b. Double twist knot.
[Fig. 187½], c. Builder's knot finished.
[Fig. 187½], d represents a double builder's knot.
[Fig. 187½], e. "Weaver's knot," same as described under the head of Becket hitch ([Fig. 185], V).
[Fig. 187½], f. Weaver's knot drawn tight.
[Fig. 187½], g shows how to commence a reef knot. This is useful for small ropes; with ropes unequal in size the knot is likely to draw out of shape, as m.
[Fig. 187½], h shows a reef knot completed.
Of all knots, avoid the "granny"; it is next to useless under a strain, and marks the tier as a "landlubber."
[Fig. 187½], i shows a granny knot; n shows a granny under strain.
[Fig. 187½], j shows the commencement of a common "rough knot."
[Fig. 187½], k. The front view of finished knot.
[Fig. 187½], l. The back view of finished knot. Although this knot will not untie nor slip, the rope is likely to part at one side if the strain is great. Awkward as it looks, this tie is very useful at times on account of the rapidity with which it can be made.
[Fig. 187½], o and p. Knot commenced and finished, used for the same purposes as the Flemish knot.
[Fig. 187½], q and q1. An ordinary knot with ends used separately.
[Fig. 187½], s. Sheep-shank, or dog-shank as it is sometimes called, is very useful in shortening a line. Suppose, for instance, a swing is much longer than necessary, and you wish to shorten it without climbing aloft to do so, it can be done with a sheep-shank.
[Fig. 187½], r shows the first position of the two loops. Take two half hitches, and you have a bend of the form shown by s. Pull tightly from above and below the shank, and you will find that the rope is shortened securely enough for ordinary strain.
[Fig. 187½], t. Shortening by loop and turns made where the end of the rope is free.
[Fig. 187½], u. A shortened knot that can be used when either end is free.
[Fig. 187½], v, w, and x. Shortening knots.
[Fig. 187½], y and z. A "true lover's knot," and the last one that you need to practise on, for one of these knots is as much as most persons can attend to, and ought to last a lifetime.
