Alexei Volkov
Plastic washing lines are a common choice for many, but they come with a unique challenge: they don't hold knots well. This can make it tricky to set up your washing line securely, but there are some solutions to this problem. One method is to use a pulley system with a counterweight, which helps to keep the line taut without relying solely on knots. Various knots, such as the Trucker's Hitch, can be combined with this counterweight system for added security. For those seeking a knot-only solution, an overhand loop or a lark's head knot are potential options, though they may not provide the same level of tension as a counterweight system.
Characteristics and Values Table for Tying a Plastic Washing Line
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Knot type | Overhand knot, Lark's Head knot, Blake's hitch, Truckers hitch, Bowline, Figure-of-8 loop |
| Tension | Use counterweights or pulleys to maintain tension, as plastic lines won't hold a knot |
| Materials | Plastic or vinyl line, marine stainless wire rope, turnbuckle |
| Maintenance | Re-tension the line after use, as it will sag when clothes are hung |
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What You'll Learn
Using a pulley system
Firstly, you need to decide where you want your washing line to be. Choose an area in your outdoor space that is not frequently used, as you will be hanging clothes there. Mark the spots where you want to install the pulleys. One pulley should be installed just above your head height but still within reach, and the other should be around 8 to 20 feet off the ground, ideally connected to something solid like a tall post or a tree, as long as there are no branches in the way.
Drill holes in the spots you marked and fix screw hooks into them. Attach your pulleys to the screw hooks. Now, it's time to thread your clothesline! You can have two parallel clotheslines, one on top of the other, running between the pulleys. If you are using a line tightener, it usually goes on the lower line, but you can also put it on the upper line to maximise the space for hanging clothes. Take your clothesline and tie it onto the loop end of the line tightener.
You can also use a divider, which is a removable item that holds the clothesline together and keeps it from twisting. It also reduces sagging by connecting the top of the looping line to the bottom. Finally, tighten the line by sliding the knot away from the hook. And there you have it—your very own pulley clothesline!
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The Blake's hitch
Blake's Hitch is a friction, or slide and grip, hitch. It is a stable knot that does not creep or roll along the rope. It is used by arborists for ascent and descent, and the strain should only be taken on the line below the hitch.
The hitch was first described by Heinz Prohaska in an Austrian Guides Periodical in 1981 and then again in Nylon Highway #30 in May 1990. However, it is now widely known as Blake's Hitch, named after Jason Blake, who described it to other arborists in a letter to the Arbor Age in 1994.
Blake's Hitch has two conventional forms: the 4/2 and the 5/3, although other variations are possible. The 4/2 version has four total turns, with the tail passing up through the bottom two. To tie this version, wrap the end of the line four times around the climbing rope, bring the end back down, and tuck it behind the climbing rope and under the first two turns so that it exits in the middle. The 5/3 version has five total turns, with the tail passing up through the bottom three. To prevent failure in slippery rope, Heinz advises adding a round turn to the 4/2 knot, creating a 5/2.
When tying the knot, it is advantageous to wind the first two turns while your thumb is inserted up alongside the climbing rope. The end should be kept long for critical loads, and a stopper knot, such as a Double Overhand or a Figure 8, can be added for additional security.
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The Truckers knot
The Truckers Hitch is a popular knot for a plastic washing line. It is easy to tie once you get the hang of it, but it can be challenging to remember the steps. It is a great option for achieving a tight line, but it will need to be re-tied as the line stretches.
To tie the knot, start by fastening one end of the line securely to a ring. Then, feed the line through the other ring. At this point, you can add a counterweight, like a bucket full of rocks or water, to help maintain tension. The bucket should be suspended above the ground. If needed, you can add a small pulley to the setup.
The Truckers Hitch can be combined with a counterweight for added convenience. This combination provides the mechanical advantage of the hitch and auto-tensioning from the weight.
While the Truckers Hitch is an effective knot, it may not be ideal for permanent use as it can be challenging to remember and needs to be re-tied periodically. For a permanent knot, a simple overhand loop or a figure-of-8 loop might be more suitable, although achieving the exact length can be tricky.
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The Bowline knot
To tie a bowline knot, you can use the following steps:
- Create an 18-inch bight at the working end of the rope. The working end is the active part of the rope that creates knots, while the standing end is the rest of the rope.
- Pass the working end through the bight from underneath, resembling a rabbit coming out of its hole.
- Now, the working end should be passed around the standing end, creating a circle or a tree. Imagine the rabbit running around the tree.
- Finally, pass the working end back through the initial bight, this time from above, like the rabbit diving back into its hole.
- Tighten the knot by pulling on the working end.
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Two half-hitches
Tying a plastic washing line may seem straightforward, but it's important to do it correctly to ensure your clothes dry efficiently and safely. Before you begin, choose a suitable location for your washing line. Ensure the area has enough space and receives adequate sunlight, avoiding overhanging trees and sharp edges or objects that could damage your clothes.
Now, onto the Two Half-Hitches knot. This knot is commonly used for securing ropes or cords and is an effective choice for a plastic washing line. It provides a strong hold and is relatively beginner-friendly.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to tie the Two Half-Hitches knot:
- Start by attaching one end of your plastic washing line to a sturdy anchor point, such as a wall bracket, tree pole, or a free-standing clothesline post.
- Pull the washing line tight between the two supports to ensure it is straight and doesn't sag in the middle.
- Create the first half-hitch: Take the working end of the rope and bring it over and around the standing part of the rope, then feed it back under and through the loop you've created. Tighten this initial half-hitch by pulling on the working end.
- Create the second half-hitch: Bring the working end back over and around the standing part, but this time, feed it through the gap between the standing part and the first half-hitch. Tighten this second half-hitch by pulling on the working end again.
- You should now have two consecutive half-hitches sitting snugly against each other. Tighten the knot by sliding it away from the hook or anchor point. Test the knot's strength by giving the line a gentle tug.
- Repeat the process at the other end of the washing line to secure it to the second support.
Remember, when using a plastic washing line, some knots may slip over time due to the smooth nature of the material. Regularly inspect your washing line to ensure it remains taut and in good condition. Check for signs of damage or wear, and replace any weak or frayed sections promptly.
If you find that your knots still slip, you might want to consider using a different type of cord or rope, or even combining your plastic line with paracord or steel cable to increase friction and improve the knot's grip.
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Frequently asked questions
Friction knots like the Taut Line/Midshipman will not work for this. You can try the Truckers Hitch, which will get the line very tight, but it won't stay tight when the line stretches. You can also try a counterweight system by fastening one end securely and feeding the line through a ring attached to a heavy bucket.
A bowline knot is a good option if you want a knot that can be easily undone. It also allows you to adjust the length of the line.
An overhand loop is a good option for a permanent knot that you won't need to untie.
After tying the knot, you can tighten the line by sliding the knot away from the hook.
