Usually a person has several knot schemes in his arsenal. They are quite enough to tie shoelaces, a belt, and connect the ends of a rope in case of a break. To make a knot for a tie, to “build” an elegant bow, to mount fishing tackle, practice is already required. Anyone can take a step forward and learn how to tie self-tightening knots. You will need a piece of rope, a little time and desire. In addition, many of the simple schemes are useful for household needs.
Application
Self-tightening knots are used not only by climbers and sailors. Some sources claim that there are about twenty such schemes. Knowing them all is not necessary even for a professional. But some universal combinations can be useful to the common man.
When relaxing outdoors, the “constrictor” knot will securely secure the hammock, and the “gazebo” will help to equip a canopy from the rain. For housewives, there is a “burlak sea loop” if there is a need to tighten a clothesline from sagging or organize drying for collected medicinal herbs. When walking your dog, sometimes it becomes necessary to leave your pet securely tied to a support for a while. A simple cow knot will do the trick. It knits easily and quickly allows you to release the leash.
Self-tightening fishing line knots are a must have in any fisherman's arsenal. They are also useful for securely fastening the boat. For those going on a mountain hike, knowledge of the components for belay equipment is simply necessary.
Peculiarities
The operating principle of such schemes is inherent in the definition itself. When one or both ends of the rope are pulled, the knot is tightened. Moreover, the stronger the force, the stronger the connection will be. But it should be remembered that some self-tightening knots “work” reliably only with constant tension. If the force is expected to vary or be jerky, the connection may become loose.
Self-tightening knots are tied around any reliable support. They hold especially well on a non-slip cylindrical base: tree trunk, stump, branch, power pole and the like. The simplest knitting pattern involves only three movements. Form a half ring by twisting the free end around the base.
Continuing the movement, he is brought under the main rope and passed into the now formed loop. Essentially, this is the same knot as when tying shoelaces. But in the loop formed during its formation there is support. Now, when pulling the main rope, the free end will be pressed against a hard surface, which will prevent the structure from untying.
Varieties
To increase the reliability of the circuit described above, you can perform a few more simple manipulations. After tightening the knot, the free end is re-thrown around the support, brought behind the main rope and passed into the newly formed loop. This type of knot is called “with a half bayonet”. You can make one, two or more reinsurances if the length of the rope allows. Such self-tightening units will be more perfect; they will remain on the support even with a variable load.
In order not to be at all afraid of accidentally untying them, you can use a “constrictor”. This is translated from Latin as “boa constrictor”. And these reptiles, as is known, form very strong rings when holding a victim. The constrictor often cannot be untied at all and the rope has to be cut. However, if you do not use excessive force, the knot will do a good job of tightening the neck of the bag and securing the clothesline. In case of emergency, it is best suited to clamp a damaged artery or vein in the event of bleeding.
Scheme option
More complex knots are based on basic combinations. So, based on the above diagram, you can make several more connection options, including self-tightening knots for fishing line. On the one hand, they become a little more difficult to perform, but on the other hand, they make the basic combination universal. Depending on the situation, you can easily move from it to other types of fastenings.
For example, the simple self-tightening knot described above can be made quickly untied. To do this, before tightening the loop, the free end of the rope is passed in the opposite direction (not completely) to form another loop. If necessary, you can pull the free “tail” that is formed in order to effortlessly untie the fastener. A scheme in this design is called a “boat assembly”. It simultaneously holds the boat well on the pier and allows you to quickly cast off from the shore just by pulling the edge of the rope.
Step-by-step knitting instructions
This tourist knot can be tied in two different ways, but the first option is more labor-intensive. It is best used when one cable is rigid, inelastic and cannot be braided around the other. The second option is more suitable for fishing, when there is a need to tie together 2 ends of the fishing line.
First way
It happens that it is necessary to connect a hard cord with a soft rope. In this case, the following diagram will help:
- Fold the thick cable in half and form a loop.
- Braid one end of the second rope from the inside and wrap it around the base.
- Thread the same end of the rope into the loop again.
- The result will be two loops, intertwined with each other from the inside.
- It is important that they are mirrored and their ends are directed in different directions.
- You will get two knots that are tightened simultaneously.
The first method of tying an academic knot
Check the finished knot for strength and cut off the excess ends of the rope.
Second way
This option is much simpler and faster, but the cords should be approximately the same diameter.
Detailed description:
- Take two ropes and lay their ends towards each other.
- Intertwine them twice.
- Raise the remaining ends of the ropes up and twist them again 2 times.
- Tighten the resulting fastener by pulling all 4 ends, but applying more force to the upper ones.
The second method of weaving an academic knot
When the knot is tied, you need to pull the lower part of the connection, and cut off the excess ends at a distance of 2-4 mm from the fastening.
Complication
Using a simple self-tightening knot as a basis, you can easily move on to the “noose” pattern. To do this, before tightening, the free end is twisted three times around the rope that forms a loop. When tightened evenly, the connection is securely fixed due to repeated pressing force against the support. Untying such a knot without loosening the main rope is problematic.
A self-tightening knot with a loop can be useful in everyday life for shortening a sagging clothesline. With its help, you can temporarily “hide” (make inactive) a section of the cord with damaged fibers, which theoretically can break under load. The advantage of the “burlatsk sea loop” knot is its ability to be tied on any part of a fixed rope that does not have free ends.
How to make a self-tightening knot on a bracelet?
There may be several options. The simplest one is if there is already a loop of rope or fishing line at one end of the bracelet. They do this because it is difficult to work with one hand without outside help. In this case, a massive decorative knot is knitted at the other end.
It should be of such a size that it can fit right through the hole in the loop. The knot is tied with the expectation that when “fastening” it, the strap will need to be slightly tightened. After threading it through the eye, the force will weaken, but the loop will not be able to come off on its own.
Tools and materials
The necessary materials for attaching the dryer can be purchased at any hardware store. An inexpensive and convenient ceiling dryer can be hung in just half an hour. For this you will need:
- dowels;
- hammer;
- electric drill;
- marker or soft pencil;
- roulette;
- self-tapping screws (can be replaced with anchor bolts).
If a suspended ceiling is installed in the room, you will need a wooden beam into which the bolts will be screwed. It is attached before hanging the dryer, having previously been covered with stain or painted in the desired tone.
Fishing: how to make a self-tightening knot
Oddly enough, to secure the end of the fishing line (cord) to the reel, in principle, you can use the same simple scheme, especially if you additionally reinforce it with two or more “half-pins”, and in addition, put a layer of adhesive tape on top. However, fishermen usually use a different scheme for this - with a tightening loop.
For the convenience of such fastening, the spool is removed from the reel. At the end of the fishing line, a loop is knitted in any convenient way. It is best to do this with a figure eight, but this is not important. After this, at some distance (15-20 cm) from the knot formed, the main line is grabbed, folded in half and threaded through the eye.
The new loop thus formed is pulled to a sufficient distance so that the diameter of the circle allows it to be put on the spool. Self-tightening knots on the reel with a sealing loop, on the one hand, will keep the fishing line from slipping, and on the other, allow it to be removed and changed if necessary, without cutting the connection. If the loop still slips, it means that it was placed on the wrong side when putting it on the spool, and it should be turned 180 degrees.
How to stretch a clothesline on a balcony? It would seem that it could be simpler: I chose the most suitable material and secured it in the required place. However, even such a simple operation requires a scrupulous approach and certain knowledge from the performer.
DIY ideas for making a dryer
Those who like to craft from scrap materials can make a dryer themselves.
A hacksaw, an electric drill with a set of drills and wooden blanks provide a lot of possibilities. Example: a compact dryer that hinges from the wall and is secured with chains. The working part consists of only two side and several cross bars. The crossbars can be replaced with thick synthetic rope. Just make sure it is securely fastened.
The wood must be sanded and impregnated with an antiseptic composition
The ceiling version has a similar design.
The wood must be sanded and impregnated with an antiseptic composition
For a compact product you will need a minimum of materials
Take a look around, maybe your future dryer is nearby, and you haven’t even thought about it! Its function can be taken over by one of the sides of the crib or part of the “Swedish” wall.
A simple solution is to make a rod for drying clothes on hangers. The material can be metal pipes and fittings. Eco-style lovers can use a thick tree branch as a barbell.
Choosing clotheslines
Currently, manufacturers of special equipment offer a lot of ready-made structures for drying clothes, which contain all the necessary components (ropes, brackets, fasteners), and the task of the contractor in this case is only to fix the elements to the enclosing structures of the balcony or loggia. When you plan to make your own dryer, you should pay special attention to the choice of clotheslines.
Metal rope in PVC
So, today the highest quality type of clothesline is a metal cable sealed in a PVC sheath. This is due to the high mechanical stability of the material, because the service life of such cables can reach 5–6 years, and during operation their deformation and stretching are practically eliminated. In addition, due to the use of a soft PVC shell, the laundry does not get dirty and is securely fixed in place.
The only limitation of the sheathed cable is its high cost, which, by the way, indirectly indicates the good quality of the material. In view of this, when choosing a clothesline of this type, it is better not to experiment and immediately purchase products of good quality (Chinese analogues last for a maximum of a year).
Plastic rope with nylon insert
It is also quite often used by consumers to dry clothes. However, unlike the previous option, this is due to its low cost. When giving preference to a rope with a plastic base, you should understand that its service life is not long (about 1 - 2 years), and when drying a large volume of laundry, sagging may form on such a rope.
Polypropylene rope
Although it is made from non-natural raw materials, it has good consumer characteristics. It is durable, does not attract dust, and is available in a wide range of colors and sizes.
Jute rope
Ideal for drying children's clothes, because in addition to high strength, this material has good environmental properties and does not cause allergic reactions.
Traditional clothesline
Good for short-term use (on hikes, at the dacha, etc.). Whereas with constant use, dust noticeably settles on it (it can leave marks on the laundry), and the material itself stretches greatly.
Ready-made designs
How to hang a clothesline on the street or balcony using ready-made brackets? First of all, it is recommended to select the most suitable type of equipment. Popular models are:
- hooks-brackets that allow you to attach a certain number of ropes for drying clothes on the balcony or in the bathroom. Hooks are characterized by simplicity of design, durability and low cost;
Clothesline fasteners
- metal crossbars with rollers, rings, hooks and so on. The cost of brackets depends on the overall dimensions of the equipment, type and material of manufacture. More durable steel structures will cost more than their aluminum counterparts.
Mounting strips
Installation of all finished structures is carried out according to the same scheme:
- determining the locations of fasteners;
- drilling holes;
- installation of dowels;
- fixing the brackets with self-tapping screws.
Preparing for work
Of course, before stretching the clothesline on the balcony, it is advisable to carry out a series of preparatory works, namely, prepare the holding brackets and install them in a given place.
Moreover, if we talk in more detail about the first part of the work, then it is more justified to use rolled metal (angle, U-shaped profile, etc.) as brackets for securing the clothesline, although in some cases (with a light load) they can be used as such elements alternative materials can also be used, be it a wooden beam, a metal pipe, or a perforated lath.
As for the preparation of the elements holding the rope, it consists in simply drilling holes in the body of the material in increments of 120 - 200 mm. Moreover, taking into account the purpose of these holes (a rope is threaded through them), they should be located strictly symmetrically on both opposite brackets. If we talk about the diameter of the holes, then it should be larger than the size of the rope in order to ensure free insertion of the material.
In addition to making perforations for fixing the clothesline, at the preparation stage you should drill holes to directly attach the brackets to the fence structures. And of course, open the resulting paintwork structures for exterior work (rust will not stain the laundry).
The installation of holding profiles should be carried out in such a way that it is convenient to dry the laundry in the future. That is, based on individual factors (type of structure, physiological characteristics of the user, etc.), it is necessary to select the most suitable location and install the brackets. Moreover, if these structures are planned to be fixed to the wall, then it is advisable to use anchor bolts or dowels with screws (with a diameter of at least 6 mm). When the brackets are located on the outside of the balcony or loggia, it is more justified to fix the material using hardware (M8, M10), using at least two on each side.
DIY dryer installation
Self-installation of the Liana dryer is not difficult; to do this, perform the following steps:
- Markings are made at the installation site of the ceiling clothes dryer and brackets.
- Using a hammer drill, holes are drilled.
- The brackets are fixed with self-tapping screws.
- In the most convenient location for use, attach the cord holder to the wall.
- One rod is taken and secured in the device. A longer cord is pulled through the left roller, then a long and short part through the right element.
- Special height clamps are put on the ends of the rope.
- After installation work, the functioning of the rods is checked, each separately.
In practice, all types of ropes and various drying systems are used on balconies and loggias. The main thing is that the resulting design for drying clothes on the balcony is comfortable. There is no need to buy expensive products.
Pulling a clothesline on the balcony
It does not cause any particular difficulties and lies in the fact that the rope is simply threaded through the holes of the brackets with a snake and tied only at two end points. Moreover, in order to prevent the dryer from sagging, it is best to stretch the clothesline starting from the most distant hole and ending with the closest one.
If we talk about recommendations for carrying out work, we can highlight the following:
- When drilling holes, be sure to remove the chamfers in order to eliminate the possibility of sharp edges cutting through the rope during operation.
- It is more justified to install the brackets externally in such a way that the elements tilt upward relative to the balcony parapet by 15 - 20 degrees (it will be more convenient to hang/take off laundry).
- To ensure that the brackets do not rush towards each other, it is justified to use additional metal spacers.
In addition, a good option for external fastening of a clothesline is the use of movable rings and special clamps, due to which you can easily move the ropes to any convenient place within the dryer.
You can learn how to tighten a rope from the video
Knots for tying a rope to an object (tightening)
The biting unit is used for mooring small ships, boats using mooring devices - bollards, mooring bollards, bitings. The knot is reliable, withstands jerking well, and is quite easy to knit and unravel.
Rice. 15. Bitengovy
Sequence of tying a biteng knot
1. Wrap the running end of the cable around the biting or mooring bollard, fold the free end into an open loop and place it under the root end.
2. Twist the formed closed loop 180° and, circling it around the root cable, throw it on top of the biting.
3. Tighten the knot.
Cable steps are cable-stayed steps for climbing up masts. It was for tying them that sailors on sailing ships originally used this knot. In addition, the bleaching knot is used for mooring a boat, delivering light cargo to a height, tying luggage, and weaving nets. This is a reliable tightening knot, holds the load well and does not slip even on smooth surfaces. However, it must be taken into account that such properties of the node appear only if a constant load is applied to it, otherwise it may weaken and begin to slip. There are two options for tying a knotted knot: the first is used when the end of the object around which the knot is tied is open, the second is when the cable is wrapped around the object itself.
Sequence of tying a knot
Option 1
1. In this embodiment, the knot can be tied either at the end or in the middle of the cable.
2. Form a closed loop with the root end passing over the running end of the cable and put it on the support.
3. Form a second closed loop by passing the running end under the root end of the cable and also put it on the support.
4. Tighten the knot.
Option 2
1. Stepping back from the edge of the cable, make a run around the support with its running end. Raise the free end of the cable diagonally upward.
2. Make another turn around the support, passing the running end of the cable under the diagonally located part of the cable.
3. Tighten the knot.
This sea knot got its name from the inclined yard fixed at the top of the mast. Although in the modern fleet the knot is no longer used for this purpose, it continues to be used when it is necessary to quickly attach a cable to a smooth cylindrical object.
Rice. 17. Gaffle
Sequence of tying a gaff knot
1. Make a double turn around the support with the running end of the cable and wrap it around the root end of the cable. Do not tighten the cable loops too much.
2. Pass the cable between the support and the loops of the cable.
3. Tighten the knot.
Sliding bayonet assembly
The knot is known and widespread no less than the bleached one. It has a wider range of applications: it is used to lift long cargo onto the deck or yards when installing additional sails, and to tie boats to the side of the ship when transporting them. Like many latching knots, the “sliding bayonet” works well only in the presence of a constant load, without which it gradually weakens and can come undone. However, this knot has one feature that distinguishes it from the rest of the group: it works well even in cases where the cable pull is at an acute angle or almost parallel to the load. The knot is easy to tie and can withstand heavy loads well. The reliability of this knot is associated with its design and the peculiarity of the location of the hoses when tying. It consists of three hoses covering the load, and two of them are knitted from the side where the traction is applied.
Rice. 18. “Retractable bayonet”
Sequence of tying a “push-bayonet” knot
1. Using the running end of the cable, form a hose around the load with the root end passing over the running end of the cable.
2. Raise the cable above the first hose and make another hose in the opposite direction.
3. Pass the running end of the cable under the cable located along the load and make a third hose.
4. Loop the free end of the cable around the section of cable parallel to the load.
5. Tighten the knot.
The name of this node comes from the Latin name of a species of boa constrictor known in zoology - boa constrictor. Among the tightening knots, there is a whole group that has similar characteristics and scope of application, which is also reflected in their name: constrictor, double constrictor, python. This name was assigned to knots due to the fact that their design is based on loops that encircle the object being tied, which is reminiscent of the rings of boa constrictors killing their prey. The constrictor is considered one of the most tightly tightened knots; it is surpassed only by the strengthened version - the double constrictor. It is best used when connecting ropes and cables with round, edgeless objects. But at the same time, you need to take into account that this is a “disposable” knot, since after applying a strong load to it, it will be almost impossible to untie it. In modern maritime affairs, the constrictor is rarely used due to difficulties in untying. It is mainly used as a temporary mark that prevents cables from unraveling if they are cut, or for bundling soft bales with cargo.
Types of clothes drying devices
Depending on the working mechanism and method of fastening, there are several types of dryers. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Sliding and folding models
If a private house has a spacious balcony where a stationary dryer can fit without any problems, there is no question about its working mechanism. The area of similar premises in typical high-rise buildings is modest. Therefore, when purchasing dryers, close attention is paid to their dimensions and folding capabilities.
Some of the most compact options are sliding ones. This can be a closed stationary block with strings that are wound inside on rollers. It is mounted on one wall, and the counter plate with hooks is mounted on the opposite wall.
When you need to dry clothes, the strings are pulled out in the manner of a construction tape and secured. Their tension can be adjusted manually (with a lever) or automatically.
Option with retractable strings
Advantages of sliding models:
- Compact.
- Thanks to the fastening to the walls, they do not take up useful floor space.
- They do not interfere with moving around the balcony when you are not drying clothes.
- Affordable.
Disadvantages: fragility of the plastic block, sagging strings, cannot withstand more than 8 kg of laundry.
Sliding products also include products with a stationary block and rods folded in the manner of an accordion bellows. To put them into working condition, they need to be pulled towards you. They are durable but short, making them suitable for small balconies and small families.
Top shelf and hooks provide additional storage and drying space for clothes
Folding models are floor-mounted, wall-mounted, and rarely ceiling-mounted. They usually take the form of guides with strings or rods. When not in use, they are compact - folded or simply fixed on the wall. If necessary, they are folded out or folded back.
