The Use of Ropes and Tackle

by Homer J. Dana; W. A. Pearl

Ending Knots

A group of knots somewhat different from those already described, are those used for ending ropes. Ending knots not only serve the purpose of giving a large end on the rope, but also take the place of whipping, in that they prevent the rope from unraveling. Sometimes an ending knot is also used for its ornamental value.

[Fig. 30.] A Whipping applied as shown is employed for keeping loose ends from fraying or unraveling, where the use to which the rope is to be put will not permit of a knot on the end. Strong cord is used for whipping. In splicing ropes, the whipping is removed before the splice may be considered complete.

[Fig. 31.] The Single Crown, tucked, makes the rope end but slightly larger than the standing part, and serves to prevent the strands from unraveling. This gives a neat appearing end. To make this type of knot, leave the ends long enough so they can be brought down and tucked under the strands of the standing part. After tucking them under the first strand, as shown, halve each strand and tuck it again under the next strand of the standing part and continue this until the ends are completely tucked the whole length, thus giving a gradual taper to the end of the rope and also giving a knot that will stand by itself. The single crown not tucked, is not a good ending for a rope.

[Fig. 32.] The Wall knot is frequently used as an ending knot to prevent unraveling. It is very satisfactory where the rope does not need to pass through a block or hole which is but slightly larger than itself. The Wall knot may be tucked similar to the Crown and makes a very secure ending for a rope. For small ropes unlay the strands back, each three inches, and on larger ropes in proportion. Hold the rope in the left hand with the loose strands upward. With the right hand take the end of strand number one and bring it across the loose end in position with the thumb of the left hand, then take the rope, forming a loop and allowing the end to hang free. Hold strand number two and pass it under strand number one and hold it against the rope with the thumb of the left hand. Again with the right hand take strand number three and pass it under strand number two and up through the first loop formed. Then draw each of the strands gradually until the knot is tightened.

[Fig. 33.] The Matthew Walker knot or Stopper knot is similar to the Wall knot except the ends are inserted through two loops instead of one as in the Wall knot. It can readily be made by loosely constructing the Wall knot as explained before and continuing as follows: pass the end number one through the loop with two, then end number two through the loop with three, and number three through the loop with one, then gradually tighten the knot by drawing in a little at a time on each strand.

[Fig. 34.] The Double Wall or Crown knot is made exactly the same as the Single Crown or Wall knot, but instead of trimming off or tucking the ends in, they are carried around a second time, following the lay of the first as shown, and then the knot is pulled tight. When completed, the ends may be tucked in as was done in the Single Crown, or they may be trimmed off.

[Fig. 35.] The Stevedore knot is similar to the Over-hand knot shown in Fig. 1, except that the end of the rope is served around the standing part two and half times before it is tucked through the bight. It is used where a knot is desired to keep the rope from running through a block or hole.