Knots used in treework

[Sciadopitys]

Hi all, i have been looking at knots used in treework recently and i wondered how many arborists are actually using these knots. I know there are common knots that we all use everyday, but there will be others that are used infrequently that maybe would be useful to know. So who is using what knot for what purpose?

 

I presume we all use cow hitch and timber hitch for attaching harware to a tree and half hitch and a running bowline to block down sections. And blakes hitch / VT / Distel for friction hitch. I know the alpine butterfly which i use sometimes for creating a 3-1 mechanical advantage to pull a tree over if i don't have the gear with me to make a 5-1 system, but often wonder of the other uses for this knot. Also, bowline on a bight, know how to tie it, never used it in my work. What is it good for guys?

 

Discuss any knots - i am interested!

[Stephen Blair]

timber hitch, prussik and one for attaching a rope to a toe bar(2 loops)and thats it mate.all my ropes have eyes on them.simples. but i would like to learn more, but i can never remember them. oh and a reef knot that i was taught in the cubs

[Mesterh]

I use the wagoners hitch thingy quite a bit when pulling trees over, gets a good bit of tension on the line.

 

Apart from that its just bowline, timber hitch and half hitch really.

[arbaholic]

I only really use two knots. The timber hitch and a running/normal bowline (or is that three?).

 

I use the timber hitch for most of my roping down work. Quick to tie quick to untie. The bowline I climb on and the running bowline for wherever appropriate. Would love to know lots of fancy knots though.

[Frank]

timber hitch, prussik and one for attaching a rope to a toe bar(2 loops)and thats it mate.all my ropes have eyes on them.simples. but i would like to learn more, but i can never remember them. oh and a reef knot that i was taught in the girl guides

 

haha, tooo easy.

[arbaholic]

Oh yeah, reef knot for tying ropes together!

[Frank]

I only ever use a bowline with a yosemite tie off, just cos I like it slightly neater. Use half fishermans knot for all rope treminations.

Alpine butterfly is good for attaching to tow bar. Bowline on a bight I use for attaching to the large eye underneath a tracked chipper for pulling stuff over. I think Karabiners do limit your knot "needing" alot. However I also believe that an arsenal of knots is very important. Good thread Ed.

[Johny Walker]

Oh yeah, reef knot for tying ropes together!

 

great knot for making up prussik loops up waite for it the comments should come thick & fast on that one:tongue_smilie:

[Sciadopitys]

I have been taught that a reef knot should not be relied upon as it comes undone very easily indeed. Woodpicker is taking the piss incase anyone decides to try and make prussik loops with a reef (square) knot!

Edited April 18, 2009 by Sciadopitys

[Tom D]

Bowline on the bight is a handy one to know when you want a loop in the middle of a line, slightly easier to untie than an alpine butterfly.