How to Tie the 10 Most Useful Knots

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Actually, the square knot is simply two overhand knots—one on top of the other—with the second tied in the opposite direction from the first. When the knot is formed, the bitter ends and standing parts of each line will lie together inside the two bights. (CAUTION: A granny knot looks a bit like a reef knot, but the bitter ends will be on opposite sides of the bights from the standing parts. Beware of the granny ... she's slippery and can't take a load.)

[4] SHEET (BECKET) BEND: You should use this knot to join two ropes of different diameters, It's much stronger and less slip-prone than the square knot, but can be easily untied no matter how wet and tight it may be. Just form a bight (big enough to work with) in the larger of the two lines. Run the working end of the smaller line through the loop ... around the doubled heavier cord ... back over as own standing pail ... Ken under the bight in the larger line. Always snug the sheet bend up by hand before you put any strain on it.

[5] CARRICK BEND: This knot is less wellknown than the reef or sheet bend, but it's stronger than either of them and just as easy to loosen ... even after a sustained, hard pull. To tie it, just form a loop in one rope, with the working end crossing under the standing end. Then, pass the bitter end of the other cord beneath this bight, over the first rope's standing end, down under its working end, over one side of the loop, under its own (the second rope's) standing end, and - finally- over the second side of the loop. The carrick bend will require a good bit of practice before it becomes natural to you. However, if a "Best Bend" award existed, this tricky knot would be sure to walk off with the trophy.

[6] BOWLINE: The purpose of the bowline is to form a secure loop in the end of a line. It can be tied swiftly and is easily loosened ... even when it's under strain. Simply form a closed bight in the rope (leaving an ample working end, which will form the loop), bring the bitter end up through the bight, around the standing end, back down through the bight again, and pull the knot tight. One slight caution: The good ol' bowline—which holds with fair reliability in natural fiber ropes—may slip when tied with some slick-surfaced synthetic lines.

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