Basic Knots...

[pilot76knob]

Hey I was wondering what would be some of the basic knots to learn for future refrence? I'm a junior right now and I was just curiouis on some of the basic knots used on the fireground...Help is Greatly appriciated...

[Karhooligan]

There are several basic knots. Here are a few to start with:

Overhand
Bowline
Half Hitch
Clove Hitch
Figure Eight
Figure Eight with a follow through
Figure Eight on a bight
Becket Bend

Know what the 'working end' and the 'standing part' are.

Since you have access to the internet, do a search on those knots and you will probably get detailed diagrams on how and when to use them. You will use them for your entire fire service career. Since you are a 3rd generation potential firefighter, you might have some material laying around the house to help you, as well.

Good luck

[Firefighter2230]

http://brmrg.med.virginia.edu/knots/knots.html there's a site to get you started i'm sure better ones can be found.

[pvfire424]

Ditto to the knots listed.

IF you have access to an Essentials of Firefighting, there is a decent skills sheet(s) on the subject. Knots can be practiced virtually anywhere, while watching TV, riding in a car (not while driving please), and it is a skill that will make or break you on a fireground.

If you dont have access, there is always one or two avaialble on E-bay IFSTA essentials should work.

[KEEPBACK200FEET]

The first knot to learn is the "I am knot". That way when the Chief asks you are you responsible for breaking something you can say "I am knot!" :D

[allineedisu]

http://www.animatedknots.com/index.php

[FFZKLH]

Very cool. Thank you.

[dmleblanc]

Excellent website....I'm going to bookmark that one....Thanks!

[thratz]

Great web site, it will also help my son in Boy Scouts. Thanks

[thratz]

[QUOTE=pvfire424]Ditto to the knots listed.

Knots can be practiced virtually anywhere, while watching TV, riding in a car (not while driving please), and it is a skill that will make or break you on a fireground.

A old firefighter told me to throw away the newspapers by the toilet and leave a chunk of rope in the bathroom, so yes you can practice anywhere,

[BrianB35]

As my instructors have stated many times. A clean knot is a happy knot. :) Also remember that a knot is NOT a knot if it doesn't have an overhand safety knot at the end of it.

I partice my knots while watching tv or as a stress break at work. I actually do better while talking with someone and not "focusing" on the knot. My proctors will also get a kick that I use jingles to remember how knots go. I use the Christmas carol "Over the river and through the woods.." for a Bowline. :)

[kswartz79]

As a reference to training, is there a certain amount of time you should be able to tie your basic knots in?

[ftfdverbenec770]

also, after you get good at those knots, start praticing them with your gloves on. its alot harder with your gloves on.

[BrianB35]

Oh I have tried it with gloves. Talk about a PITB! I'm glad we can do our tests without gloves.