Canadian Jam Knot

The Canadian Jam Knot is a go-to knot for bushcrafters and outdoor life.

It’s used to secure items like bed rolls, tarps and bundle items together.

It functions like a Noose knot that tightens down and grips harder as the tension increases.

In the fishing world, it’s known as the Arbor knot and is used to attach fishing lines to the reels.

Let’s check it in detail.

How to Tie Canadian Jam Knot

The Canadian jam knot is an easy to tie knot.

To tie a Canadian jam knot, tie a Noose knot and secure the working end with an Overhand stopper. 

When tension is applied, the knot tightens and stays put.

Method 1

1. Pass the rope around the object.
2. Form a loop round the standing end.
3. Feed the tag end through the loop.
4. Tie another Overhand knot at the working end.
5. Slide the knot to tighten it.

Method 2

1. Wrap the rope around the object and tie a loose Overhand knot.
2. Tie another Overhand stopper at the end of the rope.
3. Feed the other end through the loop.
4. Tighten the rope.
5. Slide to tighten the knot.

PRO TIP: Some bushcrafters like to add another Overhand stopper at the end of the standing end as well. Cut off the extra rope thereafter for a clean finish.

Need a Quick Release Version?

If you are looking for a jam knot that is easy to tie, just tie a Slip Noose (ABoK #1115).

To tie a Slip Noose, tie a simple Noose knot and finish it with the bight rather than the working end. 

The knot is slipped by pulling its end.

Security

The Canadian jam knot is pretty secure.

The second Overhand knot tied at the end of the working end cinches the knot in place and holds the grip firm.

But here’s the thing:

It works best with non-slippery ropes and may not get that binding strength for the slippery ropes.

If you are working with dynamic loads, the knot can jam so tight that you may need to cut it free.

Common Mistakes

One of the common mistakes people often make while tying this knot is making a Slip knot instead of a Noose.

The Slip knot looks similar but it does not tighten when you pull the standing end.

If your knot does not tighten, you have probably tied this wrong. 

Redo the knot again!

Another common mistake is not tightening the Overhand stopper properly. It could easily slip under pressure.

Application and Uses

• Bushcrafting: Secure items like sleeping bags and blanket rolls. It’s also used to bundle firesticks and wood.
• Camping and Outdoor activities: Tie down tarps to poles or stakes.
• Fishing: Attach fishing lines to reels or secure fishing nets.
• Household use: Bundle up garden and household items.

Pros and Cons

Pros 

• Easy to tie and untie
• Holds firm under pressure
• Suitable for multiple applications

Cons

• Can jam with paracord
• Not suitable for dynamic loads

Related Knots

Butcher’s Knot

Butcher’s knot is tied similar to Canadian Jam knot.

The difference?

The Butcher’s knot is finished off with a Half hitch knot and the Canadian jam knot has an Overhand stopper knot at the end of the rope.

It’s as secure but is comparatively difficult to untie after heavy tension.

Related: Packer’s knot

Figure 8 Noose

If you want a Noose knot that draws up smoothly, the Figure 8 Noose (ABoK #1116) is the best choice.

It is preferred over the Canadian jam knot and the Slip noose.

Have you tried this knot before? Share your experience with this knot in the comments down below.

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