Round Lashing

The Round Lashing is a simple lashing knot used to secure two poles or spars to increase their strength or extend their length.

Unlike other lashing methods, it does not use frapping turns. In fact, frapping turns between the parallel poles would only weaken the strength.

It only consists of 8-10 round turns around the poles with a Clove Hitch at both ends.

Let’s learn it in detail.

Quick Guide

To tie the Round Lashing, start by tying a Clove Hitch around both poles. Then, tie 6-8 wraps around those poles. 

Finally, finish off the lashing with another Clove Hitch.

How to Tie the Round Lashing Knot

1. Overlap two poles. A good overlap is about one-third of the pole length.
2. Tie a Clove Hitch between two poles.
3. Wrap 6-8 turns around the poles.
4. Tie another Clove Hitch.

Security

Since the Round Lashing does not consist of any frapping turns, it can be a bit loose and not as secure as you would like.

To make it tighter, slip in two wedges inside the turns—one above and one below the lashing. Always drive them downward from above.

Another way to increase the security of this lashing is to tie two lashings at a fair distance apart.

Application and Uses

The Round Lashing is used to join two poles together end to end to make it longer. 

It’s used in Boy Scout and pioneering applications like extending the length of poles, making a flagpole, and building some structure. 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Simple and easy to tie
• Requires less rope due to lack of frapping turns

Cons

• Does not work well if too many spars are used
• Works well with spars that have a clean and even diameter

Other Similar Lashing Knots

Shear Lashing

The Shear Lashing is used to secure two spars or poles together, particularly to spread the spar legs apart, like creating an A frame.

It starts and ends with the Clove Hitch, just like the Round Lashing, but includes frapping turns between the poles.

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