Scott’s Locked Bowline

Written by Binod Gautam

Published on:

The Scott’s Locked Bowline is the secure variation of the regular Bowline.

It’s tied in the similar way, but with the tag end locked inside the loop.

This small tweak makes it inherently more secure than the classic Bowline which tends to slip when there’s no tension in the line.

Let’s learn it in detail.

Fact: Scott’s Locked Bowline was devised by Scott Safier from the IGKT forum website who calls it the “secured Bowline.” It’s a recent discovery and is not mentioned in the Ashley book of Knots.

Scott’s Locked Bowline Details

Type: Loop Knot

Other Names: None

ABoK Reference: Not Available

How to Tie the Scott’s Locked Bowline

To tie the Scott’s Locked Bowline, make a loop in the rope and make sure there’s enough length for the size of loop you want. Pass the working end through the loop and then bring it behind the standing part of the rope. Then, pass the working end through the original loop again. Now, lock the working end by feeding it through the loop. At last, tighten the knot.

  1. Make a loop in the rope, leaving enough length for the desired loop size.
  2. Pass the working end through the loop.
  3. Pass it behind the standing part and down through the loop again.
  4. Feed it through the loop to lock the tag end.
  5. Tighten the knot.
SCOTT'S-LOCKED-bOWLINE-STEP-BY-STEP
Image: Scott’s Locked Bowline Step by Step

Application and Uses

The Scott’s Locked Bowline can be used as an alternative to the classic Bowline. It’s used in the following applications:

  • Climbing, caving, and rescue: Secure alternative to a standard bowline, resistant to cross-loading and capsizing.
  • Mooring and securing loads: Provides a secure fixed loop that stays stable under variable tensions.
  • Camping and outdoor tasks: It’s useful for securing gear or creating stable loops under load.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Inherently more secure than regular Bowline
  • Resistant to cross loading and capsizing
  • Does not jam under heavy loading

Cons

  • Not widely known
  • More complex to tie than the regular Bowline

Scott’s Locked Bowline Based on Left-handed Bowline

It’s an improved version of the Left handed Bowline (ABoK #1034 ½) in terms of security.

scott's-locked-bowline-based-on-left-handed-bowline

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Comments

  1. Scott’s Locked Bowline
    Based on Left-handed (CowBoy) Bowline
    is my preference; please
    give it more prominence,
    step-by-step,
    as better than Yosemite BowLine
    and as a secure version of the
    CowBoy BowLine.

    Reply

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