How Many Different Knots do you Regularly Use?

[sailorboy1]

I figure Inow a couple hndred knots!

Each is different, but all are called wrong!

[Tony B]

I just read the topic again. I read it wrong the first time. The original question is How Many Different Knots do you Regularly Use?

I regularly use 2 knots: A bowline and a clove hitch.

I can't believe no one got literal enough to distinguish the difference between a knot and a hitch. I know the original intent of the question so I am not going to distinguish the difference between the two on this post.

[GeoPowers]

Fun knot game to learn new knots:

Knot So Fast | Thinkfun

The kids like it.

Frank

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by S/V Alchemy

Still about the best site, however.

I use Larkshead on the jib sometimes, and I learned something called the Zeppelin Knot for my hat string.

Otherwise, I use the usual bowline, anchor bend, square, rolling hitch and the "Oysterman's Knot", which is a nicer variation on the figure 8 stopper knot.

I really should master the Carrick.

That's it -- Animated Knots by Grog, although it doesn't show the two knots I use the most -- a half cleat hitch and a trucker's hitch.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by Tony B

I just read the topic again. I read it wrong the first time. The original question is How Many Different Knots do you Regularly Use?

I regularly use 2 knots: A bowline and a clove hitch.

I can't believe no one got literal enough to distinguish the difference between a knot and a hitch. I know the original intent of the question so I am not going to distinguish the difference between the two on this post.

I cannot believe you think that distinction is so important that hitches should not be included in this discussion.

[maxingout]

Bowline and square knot are about all I use, except when things get out of control, and I end up with a massive Gordian knot.

[Thumbs Up]

We use zeppelin bends (easier and more secure than carrick) wherever we can to join same size lines, prussic knot for our bridle, alpine butterfly for a quick loop. Sheet bends are very quick and secure, rolling hitch is quick and useful for all kinds of things, a couple different trucker's type knots, bowlines, but the knot we probably tie the most is the slipknot (slipped overhand knot which is a great way to close plastic bags)

[Tony B]

Originally Posted by Rakuflames

I cannot believe you think that distinction is so important that hitches should not be included in this discussion.

I dont, re-read what i said.

[minaret]

Originally Posted by maxingout

....except when things get out of control, and I end up with a massive Gordian knot.

If you can't tie a knot, tie a lot! An edict that works well for the novice.

[SkiprJohn]

Rakuflames,
Knots by grog does show a trucker's hitch but you have to do a search by name to find it.
kind regards,

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by Tony B

I just read the topic again. I read it wrong the first time. The original question is How Many Different Knots do you Regularly Use?

I regularly use 2 knots: A bowline and a clove hitch.

I can't believe no one got literal enough to distinguish the difference between a knot and a hitch. I know the original intent of the question so I am not going to distinguish the difference between the two on this post.

Originally Posted by Rakuflames

I cannot believe you think that distinction is so important that hitches should not be included in this discussion.

Amazes me that we all believe we know what the OP was really asking without asking him / her. Maybe the OP is really interested in only knots or perhaps its a trick question. I have found that one is best to answer the actual question rather than the one you think is the question - unless of course, one is a politician

However as politics are a no-no on CF and not wanting to be too much of a PITA, I can answer as follows.

Most used is a bowline then equal next is a double sheetbend, clove hitch and round turn/2 half hitches. After that, reef (square) knot and figure of eight knot and then the occasional others. But really the first four cover 90% and the next two does 9% leaving 1% to be shared among the rest!

[BriaF]

I agree with Jimbo485

Have worked with rope 30+yrs

Bowline
Sheep bend
Clove hitch
Rolling hitch
Figure 8

There very little that can't be done the above 5.
I would like to add splicing.
In an emergency theirs a lot that can be done,
With a bit of rope or cordage.

Sure their a lot of specialist knots for one special job,
but the above do 90% of what I need.
Some times with a variation.
Eg. Around turn & 2 half hitches ,
Is really a round turn with a clove hitch on its self

[mdvick]

Originally Posted by Svsilvergirl

Mine all seem to end up as a Montana pocket knife knot.

Also known as the Rope Wrench!!

[Thumbs Up]

Only one other person besides myself mentioned the Zeppelin bend. I am mentioning it again because it is my favorite knot, very quick and easy to tie and untie, very secure even if it is not worked up tight. It was used to tie up dirigibles. The alpine butterfly is another one that I have started using a lot when I need a quick and secure loop but don't have access to an end. My method of tying both of these knots is different than what is shown in the diagrams but if you take a good look at these knots you should be able to figure it out. A lot of you mention the clove hitch which works okay for temporarily tying a large mooring line to a big piling but other than that it is a useless and unreliable knot and I would like to know just what you guys use it for. I would also like to mention the constrictor knot which works great for temporary whippings, tying off a sack, and we use it to tie lanyards onto hand tools. I am interested in how other people tie truckers hitches, the loop in the truckers version can shake out if it gets slack in it, I usually tie a slipknot for a loop, but the "shake out" version is pretty cool and I have recently started using it a lot. Everyone here needs to know the rolling hitch which is so simple that it is barely a knot but you need it to take the tension off of an over ride which can be extremely dangerous in an emergency. Rolling hitches are also great to tie onto your anchor rode and lead the other end to a stern cleat or winch and cock your boat into the swell for rolly anchorages or cock your boat sideways to the breeze so you can get more air in the cockpit on a very hot day (although your neighbors will look at you funny!)

[jackdale]

The knot I use most at home and at sea is the double-slipped reef knot.



I suspect many others use as well.