What is the Square Knot used for?

Tying the ends of a bandage or sling in first aid; Closing bundles, packages, and parcels so the knot lies flat; Joining two ends of the same cord of equal thickness; Securing bandages without hurting the skin (the knot sits flat against it); Closing sacks and tying reinforced laces during field activities; Finishing off sail reefs in traditional sailing.

How do you tie the Square Knot?

The Square Knot, also called the Reef Knot, joins two ends of the same rope of equal thickness into a flat, symmetrical knot. It's one of the first knots every Pathfinder learns, thanks to how easy it is to tie and untie, and it shows up constantly in first aid and for closing bundles. Follow the illustrated step-by-step, with a photo for every stage, on Desbravai.

Is the Square Knot hard to tie?

The Square Knot is rated easy, in the Bends category and is taught with a photo at every stage on Desbravai.

What precautions apply when using the Square Knot?

Don't use it to join ropes of different thicknesses: it slips and can come undone under load; Never trust it to bear weight, in rescue, or in climbing — it is not a load-bearing security knot; If the ends are crossed the wrong way, it becomes the treacherous "granny knot," which slips loose easily.

Square Knot

Q: What other names does the Square Knot have?

It is also known as Square Knot, Reef Knot, Nudo llano, Nudo cuadrado, Nudo de rizo, Nó de Escota Direito, Nó de Rizo, Nó Quadrado. (ABOK #1204)

Joins two ends of the same rope of equal thickness, widely used in first aid and for tying packages

Also called: Square Knot, Reef Knot, Nudo llano, Nudo cuadrado, Nudo de rizo, Nó de Escota Direito, Nó de Rizo, Nó Quadrado · ABOK #1204

What it is for

Tying the ends of a bandage or sling in first aid
Closing bundles, packages, and parcels so the knot lies flat
Joining two ends of the same cord of equal thickness
Securing bandages without hurting the skin (the knot sits flat against it)
Closing sacks and tying reinforced laces during field activities
Finishing off sail reefs in traditional sailing