Knots And Hitches
The difference between a knot and a hitch is that a knot makes a more lasting fastening.
Again, a knot may be formed on the string itself, whereas a hitch usually requires some
other object to which it can be attached. There are various knots and hitches, and from
among them a few have been chosen as being useful in kite making and flying.
1.
Most knots are formed from a loop or bight, A. The parts belonging to it are, the standing
part, B, and the end, C. (Fig. 21).
2.Overhand knot. This is the simplest to make
and forms a part of many other knots. It is the one used for knotting the sewing thread
when a cloth cover is required for a kite. It may also serve, when repeated once or twice,
for tying the bracing strings (Fig. 21).
3.Reef knot. Known also as the square knot
and the sailor's knot, it is undoubtedly the simplest and best with which to fasten
together two strings of equal thickness. It is chosen, along with the bowline knot, for
attaching the kite line to the bridle (Fig. 21).
4.Bowline knot. This is called the king of knots. It is so called
because of its general usefulness and reliability. Fig. 21 shows the correct way of
forming it.
5.Clove hitch. It may be said that this is the best known hitch, being widely used because
it is easy to form, and is very reliable. The stronger the pull against it, the firmer it
holds. It may be used for fastening the paper pieces to the tail string and for similar
attachments. A and B (Fig. 21) show the stages in forming the hitch.
6.Clove hitch
slip knot. Because it forms what is called a running noose, it is recommended when one
wishes to secure the kite line temporarily to a post or other anchor whilst the kite is in
flight (Fig. 21).
7.Fisherman's bend. When there is a varying strain on the
string, this will prove to be most reliable. It may therefore be used for tying bracing
strings and bowstrings. When it is correctly formed, it may be readily untied in order to
make any necessary adjustments of the strings (Fig. 21).
The reader is advised to
practise making these knots and hitches so that they may be quickly and properly formed.