I have a few items: FireSteel, Hatchet, etc. that have a small paracord size hole at the base. I was looking to add a length of paracord so I can easily loop it over branches, tentpoles, etc. Do any of you have a technique for doing this?
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Hi, and welcome! Maybe you could add a picture of what do you expect as a result?– UsurerCommented Jan 23, 2019 at 16:14
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Do you want to have fixed size loops, which you tie once and never adjust, to you want loops that are easily un-tied and re-tied in a different size or do you want adjustable loops which you do not need to un-tie to adjust.– Willeke ♦Commented Jan 23, 2019 at 16:42
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1Figure-eight knot, for such a fixed loop. The large knot serves as a good place to grab.– DrewCommented Jan 23, 2019 at 17:23
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1Some people tie a monkey fist that can go on anything they want to be able to let go of. I remember when the fad at camps was to have a monkey fist tied to your mug, so you could put the knot through your belt loop and let your mug hang from your hip when you needed both hands and didn't want to set your mug in the dirt.– ShemSegerCommented Jan 23, 2019 at 20:21
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Sorry for the delayed response. I had trouble finding a good picture. I would say loops that are easily retied.– tref95Commented Jan 31, 2019 at 16:58
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2 Answers
There are several knots that can satisfy your needs.
The most common knot for making a loop of cord is a double fisherman's knot. This is what most people use when tying cord for prusiks, abalakovs, etc. The disadvantage to this knot in paracord is you're not likely to get it untied. You'll probably end up having to cut it off if and when you want it off.
Another knot to use would be a single or double flat overhand knot. It's much easier to tie, as well as easier to untie, and it'll hold up well enough just for hanging your tools.
answered Jan 23, 2019 at 16:44
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Double overhand is also likely to have to be cut off rather than untied if it's been stressed. Commented Jan 24, 2019 at 15:27
I currently use a series of a slipped buntlines and slipped overhand knots tied off with a chain sinnet to attach random gear to my backpack. Its much easier than it sounds.
How to tie a buntline
The key to a good buntline hitch is to properly set the knot. It forms a very compact clove hitch on the standing end when tied correctly. Doing one slipped will hold just as well and basically fall apart when needed.
In step 3, simultainously pull the slipped bight on the right while bringing both parts (top and bottom) of the clove hitch tightly together. You can do this well away from the thing you're attaching it to and then 'slide' the whole knot down to cinch it against your equipment/loop/etc... When set correctly, its very secure (my goto for virtually everything).
Tying it to your equipment
I'll take a 2 foot piece of paracord and tie either a normal buntline (if I don't want it to come off) or a slipped buntline through the hole on the equipment I want to attach. I've even done this with accessories like hats by taking a small "bunch" of the material and tying the buntline around that.
Attaching it
Take the working end and run it over your limb/through your loop/hook/webbing/etc... and do an overhand knot with a draw loop as depicted below:
Pull this bight/draw loop tight and hold it with one hand/thumb while finishing it off with a chain sinnet. A chain sinnet is basically where you take the rest of the working end and pass a bight through the current drawn loop/bight, pull it tight, move your fingers to hold that knot tight and repeat until you have no more working end left.
This has a few advantages for finishing off things:
- Pulling the end releases everything quickly and nicely
- Uses up the rest of your rope in a neat and clean method
- Securely finished the end in a quick and repeatable manner
Once you get used to this system of knots, you'll be able to hang any gear on almost anything securely, quickly and without much thought.
I use this same system (together with a trucker's hitch most of the time) for all knot tying/securing situations. Never failed me yet.
