Scaffold Knot

The Scaffold knot creates a secure and strong adjustable loop (a Noose) at the end of the rope.

It’s often used when a compact knot is needed that grabs firmly on an object like a carabiner, ring or shackle.

It’s a must know if you are into climbing, boating or just love playing with ropes.

Let’s dig into it.

How to Tie a Scaffold Knot

The Scaffold knot is all about wrapping and threading:

To tie a Scaffold knot, pass the tag end around the standing part three times and feed the rope through the loops.

When tightened, it results in a sliding Noose-like loop knot called the Scaffold knot.

Follow these steps:

1. Wrap the working end around the standing part of the rope.
2. Wrap it 2 more times in the opposite direction.
3. Pass the tag end through the loops.
4. Bring it parallel to the standing line.
5. Hold the loop and pull the standing end to tighten the knot.

You have done this right if you notice three sets of parallel strands on one side and two on the other. Like every other Noose knot, it should slide when you pull the standing end.

To untie, just remove the rope from the object like the carabiner or shackle, then hold the knot and pull the standing end.

PRO TIP

If you are making a hard eye with a thimble (common in boats and yachts), insert the thimble and tighten the loop. It’ll protect the rope from damage due to friction.

The Scaffold knot is a Noose, meaning if you want to adjust the loop size, just pull the standing end.

Strength

The Scaffold knot has a breaking strength of around 75%. It’s one of the strongest Noose Knots after the Hangman’s Noose.

That said, it’s stronger than other Noose like the Poacher’s knot and Overhand Noose knot. 

This knot is very unlikely to come undone if tightened properly.

It’s one of the few knots that grips firmly with slippery ropes such as Dyneema and Spectra.

Common Mistakes

Here’s where things can go wrong.

A properly tied Scaffold knot tightens when you pull the standing end of the rope.

If you mess it up, it does not tighten when the standing end is pulled and comes undone under slight force.

Here’s a quick TEST.

Pull the knot’s loop. Does it tighten? You have tied a scaffold knot. 

If the tag end slips through the knot, you have tied a FALSE Scaffold knot. 

Start over again!

Overhand Noose Knot vs Scaffold Knot vs Poacher’s Knot

The Overhand Noose or a Single Overhand Noose has a single turn around the standing end of the rope.

It forms the simplest running loops, but not as secure.

The Poacher’s knot is a less strong version of the Scaffold Knot with just two turns around the standing part.

It is sometimes called the Double or two-turn scaffold.

The Scaffold knot is similar to the Poacher’s knot but has an extra turn (three turns in particular). It’s also called a Triple Overhand Noose.

If the strength of the knot is not so important, it’s preferable to use Overhand Noose or Poacher’s knot.

They are much easier to untie.

If strength is the priority, look no further than the Scaffold knot. But, brace yourself! It can be difficult to untie this later.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Strongest Noose knot
• Easy to tie and inspect

Cons

• Easy to get it wrong
• Difficult to untie

Application and Uses

The scaffold knot is used in sailing, fishing, camping, climbing, and general purpose applications. 

It can be attached firmly to a shackle or carabiner making it very easy and fast to handle during climbing.

It can be used as a hitch knot to secure the rope to an object.

It’s also used to join two ropes together. That said there are other better Bend knots like the Sheet bend and the Double Fisherman’s knot.

Now that you know the Scaffold knot, you have bagged one of the best knots under your repertoire. 

Just remember: practice makes perfect and safety first!

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