Span Loop

The Span loop forms a single loop at the middle of the rope.

The best thing about this knot? 

It does not jam and is extremely easy to untie, even under load.

Is it better than the Alpine Butterfly Knot? Not really. But it works well under moderate loads.

Let’s learn it in detail.

How to Tie a Span Loop Knot

The Span loop is an easy to tie knot.

If you know how to tie a Bellringer’s knot, you are halfway there.

To tie the Span Loop, start as if you are tying the Sheepshank knot, tuck the bight inside the loop and tighten the knot.

1. Make an Overhand Loop with the working end.
2. Make a bight on the working end and feed it through the loop.
3. Take another bight and pass it through the other loop.
4. Tighten the knot.

Application and Uses

• Trucker’s Hitch: It’s used to make a loop for the Trucker’s hitch.
• Slinging and Rigging: Arborists use the span loop for tree works. It’s secure for rigging works and easy to untie after use.
• Tackle Block Systems: It’s also used to attach hooks to a tackle block system.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy to tie
• Strong and secure
• Extremely easy to untie

Cons

• Can not be tied under load

Other Similar Knots

Alpine Butterfly Knot

The Alpine Butterfly Knot is another single loop knot formed in the middle of the rope.

Unlike the Span loop knot, it is symmetrical and works best for multi directional loading.

It’s perfect for heavy loading tasks as well.

Farmer’s Loop

The Farmer’s Loop is also a single loop knot.

It’s not symmetrical in appearance but is easy to tie and is difficult to forget once the knot is mastered.

Artillery Loop

The Artillery Loop (also known as the Harness Loop or the Artilleryman’s Loop) forms a loop in the middle of the rope.

It’s inferior to the Alpine Butterfly Loop and the Farmer’s Loop because if the loops are not loaded, the knot can deform into a Noose knot.

It’s not ideal for critical applications.

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