The Pillar Knot is the "King of Knots" in the shipping world. The Bowline is a strong knot, easy to make and untie even after heavy loads. Follow these instructions to learn basic pole knots and running, and how to untie them.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Tying a Standard Pole Knot
Step 1. Use associations to remember how to tie them together
Assume the knothole is a "rabbit hole" and the end of the string that comes out of the figure is the "tree". Imagine the other end of the rope you're holding as a "rabbit." The rabbit “came out” of the hole, ran “around” the tree, and “entered” back into the hole.
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Another way to remember it is to rhyme:
The coil is laid down 'to make a hole'
Then down from behind and around the pole
Over and through the eyes
Close tightly and be our knot"
Step 2. Hold one end with your left hand
This end is the "standing end" or end of the rope that doesn't move (think of this end as the "hole" and "tree"). Hold the other end with your right hand (this is the free end, the end you will use to make the knot, aka the “rabbit”). Make a small figure with the end of the rope in your left hand. This figure is the "hole" through which the rabbit will come out.
These instructions assume you're starting with the underhand, so that the free end of the rope is below the intersection of the resulting figure
Step 3. Take the end of the rope in your right hand through the loop made in your left hand (the rabbit hole)
Think of it like a rabbit out of its nest.
Step 4. Bring the end of the 'rabbit' around (behind) the rope
The rope here is the part that points up from the knothole (aka the “tree”). Pull the "rabbit" back through the figure and into the "nest". This time the direction of the tip away from you.
Step 5. Take the end of the rope over the loose one in your left hand
Hold the other end with your right hand and pull them in opposite directions to tie the knot tightly.
Method 2 of 3: Tying a Running Pole Knot
Step 1. Wrap the string around the item you want to tie
For example, if you're on a boat and want to tie the boat to a pole or bar, this is the knot to use. This knot is also useful for securing rope to a pole for a variety of reasons (it can also be used to tie a hammock.
Step 2. Create a figure with a running tip
Running end means the end that is not attached to a boat, horse, or other item. A knot will be created at this end. Make a wide, loose figure so that the end of the rope hangs over the standing end (the part of the rope your knot is tied to).
Step 3. Pull the end of the running rope so that it surrounds the standing end
The end should pass over the top of the standing end and return from under the standing end.
Step 4. Pull the end of the running rope through the previously created figure
The end then continues through the hole and around the body of the rope itself (around the straight section leading to the created figure.)
Step 5. Pull the end back through the hole
The end descends into the figure after being carried up and over the body of the rope itself. Pull the end so that it sticks out of the hole a few inches long.
Step 6. Pull the end of the stand to tighten the knot
Pulling the end of the stand will slip the knot into the post.
Step 7. Once the knot is attached to the pole, pull the end of the stand to tighten the knot
Method 3 of 3: Removing the Pole Knot
Step 1. Untie the poles
No matter how tightly the knot is tied, to untie it simply “untie the back”:"
Step 2. Find where the "running" end is wrapped around the "standing" end
The “running” end is the end that does the knots (aka “rabbits.”) The standing end is the “tree” surrounded by “rabbits”. The point where the "rabbit" surrounds the "tree" makes a cross shape.
Step 3. Push the figure up from the end of the stand with your thumbs
Push the figure out of the knot so that the back of the knot "unties". This will release the pressure on the figure tying the “running” end and the knot can be removed.
Step 4. Pull the knots apart when they are loose
It's a good idea to push both sides of the knot at the same time so that there's no pressure on the string when the knot is pulled apart.
Tips
- If you liked the movie JAWS, you'll probably remember Quint's instructions: “A little brown eel comes out of the cave…. swim in the hole… out of the hole… then back into the cave.”
- For safety reasons, the loose ends should be 12 times the circumference of the rope thickness. To be more secure, make a half-hitch knot at the end of the rope to keep it from slipping and opening.
Warning
- This knot cannot be opened if there is a mooring at the end of the stand.
- Do not use this knot for very heavy weights or rock climbing.
