[TowerTalk] sheet bends, Carrick bends, and dead sparrows

[Eric Scace K3NA]

Hi Jim --

   See my earlier note for the website illustrating a double figure 8 in a bend application.

   As a sailor, I have used a double sheet bend frequently to temporarily join lines of dissimilar diameter for non-critical
applications.  Like the single sheet bend, one must be careful that the dead ends of the two lines lay on the same side of the knot.
The so-called "left hand sheet bend" is considered weaker, according to Ashley's book of knots (closest thing to an authoritative
source that I've found).

   I have used two bowlines tied together as well -- a good solution based on a simple knot that I know well.  However, I now pay
close attention to knots used by firemen and rescue technicians.  The standards development groups for these trained professionals
study knots and rigging technology very carefully: not only do their lives depend on using the right tool (including lines and
knots) for the job, but so do the lives of the people they are rescuing.

   -- Eric K3NA

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Jim Jarvis
Sent: 2003 August 25 Monday 20:59
To: Towertalk
Subject: [TowerTalk] sheet bends, carrick bends, and dead sparrows



TT never ceases to amaze me.  After 50 years of sailing
(no kidding) I learned a new knot.  Not sure how I'll use
it, just yet...but the whole discussion about a doubled
figure 8 knot....and the site references....were quite
informative.

Bottom-lining the discussion, though....the doubled figure
8 seems to be a loop, and not appropriate to joining two
lines.  Unless there is another knot which bends two lines
together, using a figure 8 knot.

I'm wondering about a "doubled sheet bend"....it's not quite
the same as a figure 8, and the canonical wisdom is that it's
for ropes of different diameters...  but a DOUBLED one for
bending two lines together?  Most interesting question.  I'm
going to try it tomorrow and see what I discover.

Questions about strength of a bowline vs. whatever it is...
(when we finally determine the answer)....I'll still tie two
bowlines looped through each other, when my life is on the
line.  At least, until someone shows me reason to change.

Anyone out there actually USED a sheepshank on a climbing
line which was their only means of support?   Yeah, you can
shake it out and save your rope...but you really don't want
to be bouncing on your way down!

This is a much more interesting topic than bird kills.
(Or Balun kills...I've fried four in the last week!  And I
even modelled the reason.)

Jim/n2ea

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