untying knots

[surveyor]

I find that a paint can opening tool works well as a marlinspike for untying two ropes knotted together with a double fisherman's knot. It has a handy handle and a smooth flat hook on the end that works well to pry the knot apart.

 

[SingleJack]

Well, that's not a bad idea ... easy to carry, easy to use ... got a million of those ... they seem to accumulate like wire hangers.

Now you gotta figure a neat use for the other end ... that's a CHALLENGE

 

[Treezybreez]

An old utility climber told me that they used to tie rigging knots that were to be heavily loaded with a dry stick in the middle. He said they would break the stick in the knot and the knot would loosen up.

 

[surveyor]

Jack, that handle has its uses when the day is done!

Caleb, sounds like a good idea.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Yup..I learned the same trick.

A marlinspike, whether it's a tapered one or just a solid stick, makes it easy to untie loaded knots.

http://www.pioneeringmadeeasy.co.uk/knotsandlash/images/marlinspike.jpg

I look for a stick that is about twice the diameter of the rope. Finding one with a taper is a bonus. Most of the time I shave off the bark if its green. If not, knock off to flakes.

A wooden mallet works well to beat knots apart. Marlinspikes and screwdrivers too. Clamping the knot into a wooden jaw vice keeps it from jumping around.

In the end, sometimes the only cure is the ax though! Cut it off and seize the new end

 

[allmark]

I like the paint can opening tool...much better than to open a paint can...I hate painting.

 

[knudeNoggin]

[ QUOTE ]
I find that a paint can opening tool works well as a marlinspike for untying two ropes knotted together with a double fisherman's knot.

[/ QUOTE ]
What ropes are they that you have so knotted
(and need to untie)?
--rather than using a knot that is easily untied?

*kN*

 

[surveyor]

I knotted together two short (45") ropes to ascend with. Got tired of that and now have a Vortex (120'), that is great.