5 Important Knots You Should Know

There are hundreds of ways to tie knots. For survival reasons, one should know how to tie several different kinds. Out of all the knots out there, here are five knots that are important to know how to tie in case you do need to use them in any situation.

The Clove Hitch Knot (Also known as the Double Hitch)
The Clove Hitch Knot is often considered one of the most important knots to know.
- Uses
  It is used as a crossing knot and can be used as a binding knot as well. “It is particularly useful where the length of the running end needs to be adjustable,” such as climbing rope, “since feeding rope from either direction will loosen the knot to be tightened at a new position. “ – Wiki
- Cautions
  It often times slips and is binding. Major strain to the knot will cause the turns to bind tightly and become almost impossible to untie.
The Bowline Knot
The Bowline Knot makes a reasonably secure loop in the end of a rope. It is easy to tie and untie. The loop may pass around or through an object during the making of the knot. The knot tightens when loaded at/pulled by the standing part of the line.
- Uses
  It is most commonly used in sailing but is also known for rescuing people who may have fallen down a hole or off a cliff onto a ledge. They would tie it around themselves and sit in the loop.
- Cautions
  Although the Bowline Knot is considered reliable, it can have a tendency to work loose when not loaded and to slip when pulled sideways.
The Square Knot (Also known as a Reef or Hercules Knot)
The Square Knot is a binding knot used to secure a rope or line around an object.
- Uses
  It is used to tie two ends together to secure something. It is also used to tie shoelaces, belts, and sashes.
- Cautions
  Although seen being used for tying two ropes together, this is not recommended because the instability of the knot has resulted in many deaths.
The Sheet Bend Knot (Also known as Becket Bend, Weaver’s Knot, and Weaver’s Hitch)
The Sheet Bend Knot is often related to the Bowline Knot mentioned above and a more secure replacement for the Square Knot mentioned above as well.
- Uses
  It joins two ropes together. If doubled, it is effective in binding lines of different diameter. Perfect for reconnecting broken rope.
- Cautions
  It has the tendency to work loose when not loaded.
The Figure 8 Knot
The Figure 8 Knot is considered a stopper knot. It will jam and often require the rope to be cut when under strain.
- Uses
  It is used in both sailing and rock climbing as a method of stopping ropes from running out of retaining devices.
- Cautions
  It can be jammed tightly when under strain, making it very hard to be untied and usually need to be cut.