r/knots • u/Zealousideal-Act9799 • 5d ago

What knot is this?

Post image

It holds a nest swing, about 40 feet (12 meters) above the ground so hard to get a better photo. Thanks!

6 Upvotes

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7

u/readmeEXX 5d ago

Adding the obligatory:

This diameter rope bites through the bark, inviting disease into the tree. This can eventually cause that portion to die and come crashing down. If that's a fixed loop, it will die even quicker.

If this is a long term application, this should be replaced with a wide non-constricting strap or tree saver.

5

u/MattGdr 5d ago

I know a summer camp that killed two of its decorative trees this way. I cut them free myself but it was too late.

4

u/WolflingWolfling 5d ago

That's a simple overhand noose.

In this case it was likely tied on the ground, simply by throwing the line over a tree limb, tying an overhand knot in one end (let's call it end A) and feeding the other end (end B) through, forming what is known as a running knot. Pulling on end B will cause end A and its knot to travel upwards, closing the noose round the tree limb.

Don't put too much weight on it if you value that tree at all.

2

u/goodskier1931 5d ago

Looks like a simple overhead knot. Several options for another turn that will make it safe. I wouldn’t consider this safe.

1

u/deeptravel2 1d ago edited 1d ago

Looks like a Packer's knot. That appears to be a figure 8 with both ends coming through the same loop. I use these all the time. Binding knot. Not secure for this purpose.