Essential Knots & Splices Used On The Job!
As explained; knots are essential in the trades. Getting used to being able to tie and splice knots will benefit you significantly. If you don’t have to struggle tying knots while on the job, it will make you seem like a better hand at work. Practice, practice, practice your knots. You will also be required to be able to tie and splice knots when it comes to apprenticeship school. You will be graded according to how you tie your knots, and how fast. So practice your knots and make it a second nature. Watching TV? Practice your knots. Sitting around? Practice your knots. Take my word for it, it’s extremely important. Don’t know a knot? Tie a lot. TRUST ME!
Inside the “become a lineman” course, and on our Youtube, I show these essential knots, how to tie them (the easy, proficient way) and what they’re used for!
Essentials
I have those videos showing the knots, but here is the list again and exactly how to tie them. I’ve also included some other knots that are also really good to know and practice. If you can tie this whole list; YOU’RE MONEY AHEAD! Make sure to practice!
- Square Knot https://www.animatedknots.com/square-knot
- Bowline https://www.animatedknots.com/bowline-knot
- Running Bowline https://www.animatedknots.com/running-bowline-knot
- Bowline on a bite https://www.animatedknots.com/bowline-on-a-bight-knot
- Clove Hitch https://www.animatedknots.com/clove-hitch-knot-rope-end
- Munter Hitch https://www.animatedknots.com/super-munter-hitch-knot
- Sheet Bend https://www.animatedknots.com/sheet-bend-knot
- Cow Hitch https://www.animatedknots.com/cow-hitch-knot-end-method
- Grape Vine
At least knowing these knots gives you a major head start. There will be other knots you may need to know and learn once you start working on the job. If you have questions on what the knot is used for and why; ask your lineman. Also, look below the knot on Animated Knots gives you a description on use and purpose of the knots.
Splices
You will also be required to know how to splice 3 knots. These are also awesome to know how to splice and can only benefit you if you figure out how to tie them now! Take time, learn these splices (you’ll need to; especially for an apprenticeship) it will get you ahead!
- Eye Splice https://www.animatedknots.com/eye-splice-knot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeYBkMCQ8WY&t=159s
- Back/Crown Splice https://www.animatedknots.com/back-splice-knot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76xdhCx88yo&t=93s
- Short Splice https://www.animatedknots.com/short-splice-knot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgR22SOhkFM
Learn these knots and splices. Getting proficient and not struggling with these will give you a good head start. While everyone in your apprenticeship class or other groundman are struggling and learning knots, you already know how to tie and splice. It’s important to know your knots, EXTREMELY important. I cannot stress it enough. Just take the time and learn. If you still struggle with the knots, continue to practice, watch youtube videos and look at Animated Knots. There are plenty of resources out there that are there to help you!