What is the Common Whipping used for?

Keeping the end of a fiber rope from fraying; Finishing off nautical lines, sheets, and mooring ropes; Prepping pioneering ropes to make them last longer; Slimming down the end so it passes through eyelets and blocks; Replacing a heat-sealed end on natural-fiber ropes, which don't melt.

How do you tie the Common Whipping?

The Common Whipping binds the end of a rope with a thin cord, keeping the strands from fraying and the rope from unraveling with use. It's the classic finishing touch of seamanship, leaving the working end firm, rounded, and ready to pass through eyelets. Follow the illustrated step-by-step, with a photo for every stage, on Desbravai.

Is the Common Whipping hard to tie?

The Common Whipping is rated easy, in the Whipping & Care category and is taught with a photo at every stage on Desbravai.

What precautions apply when using the Common Whipping?

A cord that's too short comes loose with use; the whipping should be about one and a half times the rope's diameter in length; On synthetic ropes a heat-sealed end helps, but it doesn't replace a whipping when the end takes abrasion.

Common Whipping

Q: What other names does the Common Whipping have?

It is also known as Common Whipping, Common Whipping Knot, Plain Whipping, Falcaceado común, Falca común, Ligada de chicote, Falcaça Simples, Falcaçar. (ABOK #3442)

Binds the end of a rope to keep it from fraying or unraveling

Also called: Common Whipping, Common Whipping Knot, Plain Whipping, Falcaceado común, Falca común, Ligada de chicote, Falcaça Simples, Falcaçar · ABOK #3442

What it is for

Keeping the end of a fiber rope from fraying
Finishing off nautical lines, sheets, and mooring ropes
Prepping pioneering ropes to make them last longer
Slimming down the end so it passes through eyelets and blocks
Replacing a heat-sealed end on natural-fiber ropes, which don't melt