Anyone still use rope to tie things down?

[Wagtail]

Yep, I still use rope and knots. The right knot for the job too... but 40+ years in the Navy will do that.

[not that I haven't had occasion to smack a junior sailor for tying multiple half-hitches!]

 

[mopardude318]

i exclusively use high quality ratchet straps.. my father exclusively uses rope, and it drives me insane. LOL

 

[dragoneggs]

I love rope... knots for me go back to scouting days. My favorite is the bowline. Knowing the right knot and executing it is a life skill. Fisherman know what I'm talking about too.

 

[IslandTractor]

I love rope... knots for me go back to scouting days. My favorite is the bowline. Knowing the right knot and executing it is a life skill. Fisherman know what I'm talking about too.

As a sailor, the bowline is invaluable but it isn't so great for securing loads that require tension while tying. Tough to maintain tension on the standing part while tying it. The bowline is perfect for securing the line to a post or fixed object at one end but I'd prefer the trucker's hitch for the other end used to apply tension.

 

[dragoneggs]

As a sailor, the bowline is invaluable but it isn't so great for securing loads that require tension while tying. Tough to maintain tension on the standing part while tying it. The bowline is perfect for securing the line to a post or fixed object at one end but I'd prefer the trucker's hitch for the other end used to apply tension.

Totally agree!!! Each knot has its place.

 

[Wagtail]

I used a couple of bowlines today whilst securing my hayring. If I'm transporting jerrycans in the back of my ute, to fill at the petrol station, it's a bowline to a corner tie-ring then clove-hitch around the handle(s) = secure.

I've got several coils of rope (line) around the property and even one in the ute... enough to tie down most things in the bed. Ratchet straps have their place, and I have them too, but a good length of cordage is so much more versatile. A good reef-knot or sheet-bend have their uses too.

As does the truckie-hitch... mind you, I wouldn't secure my tractor with anything less than a proper ratchet strap.

 

[dragoneggs]

I used a couple of bowlines today whilst securing my hayring. If I'm transporting jerrycans in the back of my ute, to fill at the petrol station, it's a bowline to a corner tie-ring then clove-hitch around the handle(s) = secure.

I've got several coils of rope (line) around the property and even one in the ute... enough to tie down most things in the bed. Ratchet straps have their place, and I have them too, but a good length of cordage is so much more versatile. A good reef-knot or sheet-bend have their uses too.

As does the truckie-hitch... mind you, I wouldn't secure my tractor with anything less than a proper ratchet strap.

Music to my ears!

 

[IslandTractor]

I have a love hate relationship with ratchet straps. Sure they work well but storing them is a nightmare compared to the simplicity of properly coiling and securing a line for storage. I'm often spending more time untangling ratchet straps than actually securing the load. A line can be coiled and secured so it doesn't tangle in seconds.

 

[mbohuntr]

Yep, I still use rope and knots. The right knot for the job too... but 40+ years in the Navy will do that.

[not that I haven't had occasion to smack a junior sailor for tying multiple half-hitches!]

Guilty as charged sir.........

I had to be trained on bowline, half hitches, truckers and loggers hitch since we use them to secure cable...

 

[John White]

This is a subject sort of off line. But securing your rope and ratchet straps and bungee straps so they don't tangled up. I use to fight it too. I have to have my blood drawn every month and as I was sitting in the nurse office a thought came to me. They use a rubber band about 3/4" wide and about 12" long. I seen the trash can was full of them. I asked her if I could take some. She said she would look away and I could take what I want. I filled my pockets with them. I find they are really handy around the shop. All my light cords, ratchet straps, ropes, bungee cords, cell phone cords, battery charger cords, compressor cords, vom test leads, test light lead. It just takes a minute to take this rubber and give it a wrap or two around any thing and it will keep it from getting tangled. So next time you have your blood pressure checked ask for some of them and it will reduce your blood pressure when trying to untangle a bag full of tie straps or ropes.