Bind two neighboring spars with a band of wraps, two fraps and clove-hitch finishes.
Also known as Sheer lashing.
A shear lashing joins spars laid side by side. Wrap around both to make a band, then pass between them for frapping turns that pull that band together. A clove hitch starts the rope on one spar and another finishes it on the other.
The spars can then be opened into an A-frame. Leave space for the fraps while tying, and avoid making the whole arrangement so rigid that the poles cannot open. This is different from a square lashing, which joins poles that already cross at a right angle.
When to use it
- Join two spars for a small camp A-frame.
- Practice the different jobs of wrapping and frapping turns.
Keep in mind
Lashing strength depends on rope, timber, tension and the whole structure. The knot model does not specify a load-bearing design.
Check your knot
- The binding turns surround both spars.
- The fraps pass between the spars and around the band.
- The finish is secured to the other spar.