The Bell Ringer’s Knot is used to shorten the rope.
Traditionally it’s used to keep a long rope off the belfry deck when it’s not in use.
It resembles the structure of the first half of the Sheepshank Knot.
Let’s learn it in detail.
Bell Ringer’s Knot Details
Type: Bight Knots
Other Names: Bell Rope Knot, Half Sheepshank
ABoK Reference: #172, #238, #1147
How to Tie the Bell Ringer’s Knot
The Bell Ringer’s knot is an easy to tie knot.
To tie the Bell Ringer’s Knot, make a loop in the rope. Then create a bight and feed the bight through the loop. Tighten the knot and you are ready to go.
- Make an Overhand loop in your rope.
- Make a bight below the loop.
- Pass the bight through the loop.
- Tighten the knot.
Pro TIP
If the rope is long and heavy, you can add an extra hitch to secure the knot further.
This variation is called the Double Bell Ringer’s Knot.
To tie this variation, simply make two bights and feed the bight through both loops. Tighten to finish the knot.
Application and Uses
During the old days, this knot was primarily used to shorten the length of the rope used to ring church bells.
In fact the name “Bell Ringer’s Knot” comes from this exact purpose— to shorten the rope so that it does not lie on the ground dirty.
These days, it’s found new uses:
- Trucker’s Hitch: It’s used as a part of the quick release Trucker’s Hitch to secure loads to a truck or trailers.
- Camping and Outdoor Activities: As a remote release knot to lower objects so that you can retrieve the rope back again.
- Foundation of Other Knots: It’s the building block of the Sheepshank and the Span Loop Knot.
Note: Bell Ringer’s Knot is not a secure knot. NEVER use it for any life-critical applications.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to tie
- Can be tied in the middle of the rope without the need for free ends
- Comes undone with a small tug
Cons
- Not strong and secure
- Only holds secure when there’s tension in the line
Frequently Asked Questions
What ropes work best with the Bell Ringer’s Knot?
The Bell Ringer’s Knot works best with the large diameter ropes as it provides more friction.
It does not work as expected with the paracords and slippery ropes like the Kevlar and Dyneema.
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