Is there a knot that ......

[Tiger]

One for the boy scouts. Wanted to make a temporary swing for the kids. We had a high branch which we couldn't reach with any ladder. Is there a knot that you can throw over the branch and it self tightens by tugging at it, then when you need the rope back, you can loosen it and have your rope back?

[Bleedin Thumb]

I would have thought that the rope passed through a large end loop wouldn't tighten. If you can form that loop by splicing the rope even better as it will eliminate a knot that could get fouled.

Another way is to form a smaller loop around a thimble so that the weight of the thimble may help it shake itself down when needed.

I have some large wharf rope with huge loops that my kids go apes on. I don't need to take it down as I don't have much call for 2 inch thick rope.

[jmk89]

This seems to be the way to do it, Tiger.

PS This is a really good website for knots as it shows you how to tie the knots in an animation.

[Bleedin Thumb]

OMG. Someone has actually created a web site dedicated to knot tying of a swing!

Tiger - you asked for it!
jmk - you have to get out more!

[masoth]

I was not going to reply to this post because my immediate reaction was, 'Danger, Will Robinson', totally negative.
What is the tree? Will the limb break and fall? How heavy are the kids (accumulative, because without doubt they will all swing together at some point - kids do that sort of adventurous stuff)?
A tightening knot IS NOT what's needed because it will wear the limb quicker than a loop. Shotgun-recovery of the full length of rope may be the only answer.
Sorry, but if you can't reach the branch I suggest you provide some other games.

soth

[Bob Willson]

The only way to recover the rope would be by having a secondary line attached to the loop of the bowline. This would be pulled when recovery is required but held aside until then.

I sometimes used this method when I was a tree lopper and needed to put temporary pressure at the top of a tree but wasn't going to cut down the whole tree.

PS I used a shanghai with a fishing line and a lead weight weight to get the line into the top of the tree. I used that line to pull up a heavier line, then that heavier line to pull up the heaviest line.

[MajorPanic]

The only way to recover the rope would be by having a secondary line attached to the loop of the bowline.............

Yes, but can you tie a bowline one handed?

I was taught this trick by a female 5'2" round-the-world salior. She said it's a bit hard to tie a bowline with 2 hands in 60kn of wind.

I showed it to the tree loppers who came to take out the trees for my shed space. Took 1/2hr to get them back to work!

[scooter]

Time you showed us Major...

[rhancock]

Hah! I win! As a dedicated ex Scout, I can tell you the knot you are after is called a hangman's knot, for obvious reasons.

You need very long rope - around 4 times the height of the branch. I am struggling to describe how you tie the knot - thats why the animations are so useful, but I"ll try and find website for you.

IMO its overrated! I'd go with a bowline slipped around and pulled tight, with a light line to pull it back down again - much easier, more secure and you don't need such a long rope.

[rhancock]

Ok, maybe I'm not that smart. Its a Highwayman's knot, also used to tie up horses. Couldn't find an animation, but there's a description and pictures here: http://www.iland.net/~jbritton/highwaymanshitch.htm

[rhancock]

And if you want the official Scout version: http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/...s/fs315082.pdf

[MajorPanic]

Time you showed us Major...

No worries!!

Just be here on the 17th March & I'll learn ya the knot!

[Tiger]

Thanks, guys.

The tree branch is solid and at least a foot in diameter, so it's plenty sturdy. The Highwayman's hitch is not really suitable because the branch is fairly high off the ground, you would need access to it in order to tie the hitch.

One-handed bowline, I've only seen it done around the waist so that you can support the knot, didn't know you could use it on a high tree branch. But then once it's up there, can you still get your rope easily without having to cut the tree down?

[rhancock]

The Highwayman's hitch is not really suitable because the branch is fairly high off the ground, you would need access to it in order to tie the hitch.

Erm.. No thats the whole point of the Highwaymans hitch, you don't need access to the branch, just a very long rope, its the only hitch you can tighten from the ground.

One-handed bowline, I've only seen it done around the waist so that you can support the knot, didn't know you could use it on a high tree branch. But then once it's up there, can you still get your rope easily without having to cut the tree down?

1. Make a loop in one end of the loop. It doesn't matter which knot you use as long as its secure. A one handed bowline is a showy way, and very secure, I'd use a figure of eight knot but thats just cos I like them. 2. you throw the loop over the branch, and retrieve it again 3. Attach a light line (eg kite or fishing line) to the loop 4. Pass the loose end of the rope through the loop and pull it through until the loop it tight up to the branch 5. When you want to retreive your rope, you can pull the loop back down with the light line. BTW a Figure of eight is done like this: http://www.animatedknots.com/fig8boa...matedknots.com but make a loose loop first.

[dadpad]

Eye bolt through the branch is the best method of hanging a swing. But that doesnt solve your problem does it. hmmm

I'll shut up now.