[mathmonger]

Anybody know a good knot for tying up a bunch of random crap (sticks or cardboard)? Or for tying something to a railing (Christmas decorations)? Something that kind of works like a cable tie. You can pull it nice and tight and it stays like that.

I just use a square knot, but it always comes loose as soon as I go to tie that second overhand knot.

I have seen some constrictor knots, but it seems like they have to be over something hard and convex to give some resistance. Is there a knot that you can make nice and tight and it locks in place even if it winds up being in mid-air?

 

[Nik333]

http://www.yachtingmonthly.com/sailing-skills/strongest-sailing-knot-30247

 

[SeniorSitizen]

Clove hitch or improved clove hitch. The improved clove hitch may not be in the scout book. That's kind of my invention here at the ranch. With the clove hitch both ends are tag ends. With the improved clove hitch there is one tag end and one running end. The running end is doubled back to complete the knot. The improved clove hitch is for convenience of un-tying where 2 tag ends aren't necessary. It's untied as a shoe lase would be.

The chain pictured is a quick method of tying a clove hitch where there is an open end such as a post or tree stump. Two loops are formed with a counter clock motion. Loop A is set on top of loop B and the assembly is placed over the object to be fastened to.

 

[r0ckstarr]

Another vote for Clove Hitch.

 

[Colbyt]

I wasn't a boy scout but I learned a nameless knot or two on the farm. I see now that at least one is a form of a modified clove.

For permanent knots such as trash or twigs to the curb just form a small hard loop on one end, insert the other end through the loop, draw it down tight, pinch the string at the loop and tie one hard knot and then another. For heavy bundles I might tie 3. hard knots.

For easily removable knots such as lights on a railing, make the same loop, same process; except when you get to the knot part make it a slip knot with a folded loop where the knot would go and repeat the process through several loops. essentially you are starting a chain knot where the loop and string meet.

You can also use a simple chain knot for light duty applications. This forms a chain knot where the item to be secured is inside the first loop.

Obviously for stuff you want to remove you don't follow the last, locking step. You just let the last loop dangle there. 7-8 loops will not loosen while holding down a trailer tarp at highway speeds.

 

[mathmonger]

Really? You tie up cardboard with a clove hitch? I dunno about that. I do like that chain knot, though.

Check out a packer's knot too:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Packer's_knot

 

[r0ckstarr]

The same could be said for sticks and a chain knot.

 

[landfillwizard]

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/83/Surgeon's_knot_(tying).jpg

This not is not in the Boy Scout Handbook but it makes tying the carboard much easier.