Square Knot (Visual Approach)
The square knot (Reef Knot) is primarily a binding knot, used to secure a rope or line around an object. Using a visual approach to tie the second half knot is a sure-fire way to assure it will always be tied correctly. Further Information
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SQUARE KNOT VISUAL CHALLENGE
Roundturn with Two Half Hitches
In addition to securing ropes to a fixed object, this knot is exceedingly useful for tying guylines to pioneering structures. Further Information
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FLAGPOLE RACE
SELF STANDING FLAGPOLE CHALLENGE
HOLD-EM DEMONSTRATION
Water Knot
In Pioneering, whenever you need to join the ends of ropes made of man-made fibers that are braided and slick and don’t hold knots well, think of the water knot. Further Information
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KNOT MASTER TUG OF WAR
Zeppelin Bend
The zeppelin bend is excellent for joining two flexible lines that will be placed under a heavy pull. Even after a heavy strain, in will not jam and remains easy to untie. Further Information
Butterfly Knot
In Scout Pioneering, we frequently use a butterfly knot to form the fixed loop in a rope tackle — a very useful knot! Further Information
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LOG HAULING
Carrick Bend
A carrick bend is ideal for joining two large diameter ropes and has been referred to as “probably the finest bend ever made”. It avoids the sharp nips of the sheet bend, and can be kept open by seizing the two free ends to their standing parts. Further Information
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KNOT MASTER TUG OF WAR
Half Hitches and Clove Hitch Video
The first and everlasting thing to remember about the clove hitch is that it is composed of two half hitches. Further Information
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HITCHING CHALLENGE
HORIZONTAL HALF HITCHING RACE
ROPE-TOSS-LOG-LIFT CHALLENGE
How to Tie Half Hitches to Finish Many Lashings
A carrick bend is ideal for joining two large diameter ropes and has been referred to as “probably the finest bend ever made”. It avoids the sharp nips of the sheet bend, and can be kept open by seizing the two free ends to their standing parts. Further Information
Related Troop Meeting Activities
KNOT MASTER TUG OF WAR
Constrictor Knot
The Constrictor is an effective binding knot. It’s based on the clove hitch, except that it has an extra half-knot that provides an extra hold when the knot is pulled tight. Further Information
Draw Hitch
In addition to its uses in Pioneering, the draw hitch is ideal for reliably securing a boat to a mooring (or horse to a hitching post) with the assurance that you can easily release the knot with a simple tug and quickly be on your way. And all you need is one hand to do it. Further Information
Rolling Hitch
A rolling hitch, also known as a Magnus Hitch, is considered an essential pioneering knot. (For increased strength, more turns can be added to start the knot, and for increased security, another half hitch can be added at completion.) Further Information
Related Troop Meeting Activities
SELF STANDING FLAGPOLE CHALLENGE
FLAGPOLE RACE