Secure Knots

Got my copy of the \"Tree Climber's Companion\" and have just skimmed it and already I see a few \"iffy\" things I want to inquire about. I never thought of a basic bowline as being a very secure knot, yet the book talks about it as if it was. Do climbers trust their lives to simple bowlines? I myself, being paranoid, would use a water bowline with a stopper or at least a stopper as shown here.

http://www.animatedknots.com/bowlineclimbing/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

Generally, you're right. A bowline is not a commonly used life safety knot - but some people DO use it. Without a stoper it CAN come undone when tension is relaxed.

Even though I had been involved in rope rescue for over 10 years, when I started tree climbing I learned that there was a whole new (and often better) way to do things. Ideas from caving, rope rescue, rock climbing, and other activities have been absorbed into tree climbing. There is no ONE way to do something. 10 different people may do the very same thing 10 different ways.

IMHO, If you learn to tie an inline figure 8, 8 on a bight, and a Blake's Hitch or modified Blake's (B-53 or similar) you'll be on your way up, safely. You can learn other knots and their uses as you move ahead in your new hobby.

Yes, I suppose you are right. Maybe the bowline is only being recommended in very special situations. I'm ahead of the curve on my knots. I've been learning them for the past month or more. The only ones I don't know are the less common ones like the Distel or the Valdo-whatever...

I just want to add the safety knot to Bakers list.

Safe climbing!

Ah yes, the slip knot. Very important while climbing DdRT. Thanks for that.

So when you tie the end of the rope to your harness -- to me the most ideal knot seems to be the gallows knot -- and I make it a triple just to be paranoid. What else do people use with complete confidence for that connection?

Gallows knot? Can you share a picture or link?

That name gives me the shivers...gallows and safety in the same sentence just doesn't seem right

Tom Dunlap wrote:

Gallows knot? Can you share a picture or link?

Sort of like half of a double fisherman's -- make a loop and then tie a double (or triple:woohoo: ) overhand.

http://www.animatedknots.com/doublefishermans/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

Oh...I think that's also called a scaffold hitch or slipped double overhand hitch. I tie that as much as I tie a bowline.

When I was taught to climb I used a 'scare strap' to secure myself. That name didn't sit right with me so I started using lanyard or flip line instead. Using the term 'gallows' in any part of my climbing system would give me the Willies.

Tom Dunlap wrote:

When I was taught to climb I used a 'scare strap' to secure myself.

Oh, I've never heard of that term.

Scaffold (noun)
1. A temporary platform, either supported from below or suspended from
above, on which workers sit or stand when performing tasks at heights
above the ground.
2. A raised wooden framework or platform.
==>3. A platform used in the execution of condemned prisoners, as by hanging
or beheading.


Say, are you by any chance the same Tom Dunlap who originally proposed the acronym DdRT six or eight years ago? That's the name credited in the article I'm reading.