Everyone needs a good lashing now and again. I don't mean the kind you experienced as a youngster...if you are of a certain age that is...but the kinds that are used to join two Spars (poles, logs, beams, etc.).
Lets say, perhaps you are creating supports for a field expedient shelter out in the woods, or maybe you are needing some expedient defensive obstacles, or maybe you're building a raft, or maybe you just had a need to join two thick poles or logs together at a variety of angles. Two important (and easy to learn) lashings that you might find beneficial are the DIAGONAL Lashing and the SQUARE Lashing
Used to bind two poles together and prevents racking (collapsing and stacking upon each other)
This LASHING is often used as a cross-bracing to support large or small semi permanent structures or supports. This lashing maybe used on any type or size of poles that cross at a 45*- 90* angle. Combined with a SQUARE LASHING it is possible to create a very durable support element. The square lashing is used for load bearing while the diagonal lashing is used for cross-bracing support.
TYING THE DIAGONAL LASHING: 1) Start by tying a timber hitch diagonally around both poles
2) Wrap the rope around both poles three or four times (wrapping turns)in the SAME direction
3) Start the second set of wraps turns by going past and around one of the vertical poles
4) Once you have enough wraps to give you the support strength you desire, guide the rope horizontally between the poles
5) Wrap the rope around the turns between the poles. This is called FRAPPING. Pull the frapping as tightly as possible
6) Finish the lashing with a CLOVE HITCH around the end of the cross piece
SQUARE LASHING: Used to bind two or more spars together. This lashing consists of a series of wraps (turns) and frapping that wraps around the turns and tightens those turns between the spars. This lashing is used when binding spars together at, or near right angles to each other. The lashing is designed to be load bearing and can be used to build scaffolding or a rectangular frame. TYING THE SQUARE LASHING: 1) Start with a CLOVE Hitch around one of the poles
2) Twist the loose end of the clove hitch around the rope and then wrap the rope around the poles.
3) When lying the turns, the roe goes on the "outside" of the previous turns and then around the cross piece and on the "inside" of the existing wraps on the other pole
4) Continue to wrap the rope around the poles using the "inside-outside" sequence
5) Once you have enough wraps to give you the desired strength, guide the rope horizontally between the two poles
6) Wrap the rope around the turns between the poles. This is called frapping. pull the frapping as tight as possible and then add an additional turn
7) Finish with a CLOVE Hitch
NOW THAT'S A COUPLE OF GOOD LASHINGS