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Prusiks
Submitted by An Outdoor Idiots Team Member.
Some Example Uses of Prusiks (2)
Using the Original Prusik as a Line Tensioner
First of all, note that you can tie the original Prusik knot, as shown on page 1, with a single length of cord rather than a Prusik loop. Fig. 41 shows a loosely tied Prusik which might help thinking through how to do this.
Secondly, note an interesting feature of the original Prusik: It will lock both ways, even if only one of the cords that emerge from it is pulled.
This opens up some interesting possibilities, and makes the original Prusik a superb knot for using as a tensioner on a line. Here's how:
First of all, using one length of Prusik cord, tie two original Prusiks close to each other, on the same rope or cord, as illustrated in Fig. 42:
If the tensioner is to be left on the rope or cord for a long time, or permanently, then it can be spread out, as in Fig. 43, and any excessive ends can even be trimmed off (not done here), for neatness. Note that the ends should not be trimmed off too close to the knots, in order to allow for some creepage.
Then, when you need to take up some slack in the main line, simply pull the line through one or both Prusiks, and the Prusik will then take the load, with the slack piece of main line hanging between the two knots, as in Fig. 44. This arrangement is second-to-none for being able to precisely adjust the tension on a line, with the minimum of equipment.
CAUTION: Although the diagrams above show a climbing rope, and the cord shown is the same type of cord used for tying climbing Prusiks, it would be unadvisable to use this arrangement for such an application. I can find no reference to any such arrangement being used for climbing or any other purpose. It would be much safer to stick with popular tried and tested Prusiks for climbing. As with all Prusiks, test it immediately prior to relying on it.
Note that this arrangement can also work well when tied around tape (such as a seatbelt or climbing sling), as shown in Fig. 45. The tape will of course be crushed where the Prusiks grip it.
I have used the above arrangement on an improvised climbing harness (a Dulfer seat), made from a sling, purely to adjust the tension for comfort. That application is non-critical, since if either the Prusik knots or the Prusik cord gives way, the sling will become slacker but still remain good. For that application, the Prusiks were tied very close together (closer than in the above picture), and positioned at the small of the back for comfort.
Page 8 of 10 Previous Next [Top of Page]
Page 1: Introduction to Prusiks, and the Original Prusik knot
Page 2: History of the Prusik Knot, and Understanding Prusik Knots
Page 3: The French Prusik
Page 4: The Bachmann Prusik
Page 5: The Kreuzklem Prusik and the Kleimheist Prusik
Page 6: The Penberthy Prusik
Page 7: Example Use (1) - An Adjustable Loop made with the Penberthy Prusik
Page 8: Example Use (2) - A Line Tensioner made with two Original Prusiks on the Same Cord
Page 9: Example Use (3) - Tying a Prusik to a Rigid Pole
Page 10: Getting the most from Prusiks, and Prusik Safety
Page 2: History of the Prusik Knot, and Understanding Prusik Knots
Page 3: The French Prusik
Page 4: The Bachmann Prusik
Page 5: The Kreuzklem Prusik and the Kleimheist Prusik
Page 6: The Penberthy Prusik
Page 7: Example Use (1) - An Adjustable Loop made with the Penberthy Prusik
Page 8: Example Use (2) - A Line Tensioner made with two Original Prusiks on the Same Cord
Page 9: Example Use (3) - Tying a Prusik to a Rigid Pole
Page 10: Getting the most from Prusiks, and Prusik Safety
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