Question 1

What is a figure of eight knot used for?

Accepted Answer

A stopper knot at a sheet or halyard end, preventing the rope from running through a block or fairlead.. A figure of eight is a stopper knot tied near the end of a rope, such as a sheet or halyard, to prevent it running through a block or fairlead, provided the knot is large enough for the opening. It is generally easier to untie after loading than an overhand knot, but can still tighten under heavy load. Whether a sheet should have a stopper depends on the rig and the need to let the line run free in an emergency. Joining rescue ropes requires an appropriate joining knot, such as a correctly tied figure of eight bend, rather than the basic figure of eight stopper.

Question 2

A sheet bend is used for:

Accepted Answer

Joining two ropes of different sizes, with the larger forming a bight and the smaller passing through and around it. A sheet bend is used to join two ropes, particularly of different sizes. The thicker rope forms a bight; the thinner rope passes through the bight, around behind both parts of the bight, then under itself. A double sheet bend gives additional security when joining ropes of different sizes, with the thinner rope making two turns. Strength retention is sometimes quoted as approximately 50%, but varies with rope material and knot configuration. The standing parts are pulled apart to load the knot, not in the same direction. The knot may loosen when unloaded or subjected to repeated loading and unloading.

Question 3

Why should laid (twisted) rope be coiled clockwise and braided rope in figure-of-eight coils?

Accepted Answer

Laid rope's clockwise twist favours clockwise coiling to prevent kinks; braided rope has no natural twist, so figure-of-eight coils prevent twisting and kinking during payout.. The clockwise recommendation assumes the usual right-hand-laid rope. Coil this clockwise, with the lay, to reduce kinking; left-hand-laid rope should be coiled anticlockwise. Braided rope has no comparable overall lay, and repeated circular coiling can introduce twist. Figure-of-eight coils alternate the direction of successive loops, helping to avoid accumulated twist and promote smooth payout. A Flemish coil is a flat spiral, not an alternating-direction coil, and is not equivalent to a figure-of-eight coil. Figure-of-eight coiling is useful for running rigging, but the appropriate stowage method depends on the rope and its intended use.

Rope, questions and explanations

What is a figure of eight knot used for?

A sheet bend is used for:

Why should laid (twisted) rope be coiled clockwise and braided rope in figure-of-eight coils?

Practise this properly

Rope, questions and explanations

Questions

What is a figure of eight knot used for?

A sheet bend is used for:

Why should laid (twisted) rope be coiled clockwise and braided rope in figure-of-eight coils?

Practise this properly