Lashings

General Lashing Rules

• Choose the lashing according to how the poles meet and what movement the joint must resist.
• Place the poles in their final relationship before tying whenever possible.
• Keep each wrap beside the previous wrap instead of crossing it.
• Pull every turn firmly as it is made. Tightening only at the end cannot fix loose inner wraps.
• Keep the rope flat and free from twists.
• Make frapping turns in the space between the poles when the lashing calls for them.
• Finish where the knot can be inspected and will not be crushed by the load.
• Test the unloaded joint for sliding, rotation, and racking.
• Retie a poor lashing rather than hiding it under extra rope.

Square Lashing

Use: Joins two poles that cross and are already touching, commonly near a right angle.

1. Use the approved starting method for your unit or project. A common method begins with the rope positioned behind the upright pole just below the crossing pole.
2. Make three tight wrapping turns around the poles, keeping the turns side by side.
3. Make two firm frapping turns between the poles to tighten the wraps.
4. Finish securely where the knot can be inspected.

Inspection: Look for neat parallel wraps, tight fraps, a secure finish, and no movement when the crosspiece is pushed or twisted.

Diagonal Lashing

Use: Pulls two crossing poles together when they do not naturally touch and secures crossed braces against racking.

1. Begin with a timber hitch around both poles at the crossing and pull it tight.
2. Make several tight wraps across one diagonal.
3. Change direction and make the same number of wraps across the other diagonal.
4. Make firm frapping turns between the poles around both sets of wraps.
5. Finish with a secure hitch around one pole.

Inspection: The wraps should form a clear X and the joint should resist the braces shifting or the frame racking.

Round Lashing

Use: Joins parallel poles to extend their length or combines them where the project plan calls for it.

1. Overlap the poles by the amount required by the plan.
2. Make a tight series of wraps around both poles near one end of the overlap.
3. Finish securely and make a second round lashing near the other end of the overlap.
4. Keep the two lashings well separated and the overlap long enough for the intended design.

Inspection: Round lashings do not use frapping turns between the parallel poles; fraps there would tend to force the poles apart.

Shear Lashing

Use: Joins two parallel poles that will open like scissors to form an A-frame or shear legs.

1. Lay the poles beside each other with their butt ends aligned.
2. Begin with a secure hitch on one pole and make several wraps around both poles.
3. Create enough space for the fraps without putting fingers into a pinch point.
4. Make firm frapping turns between the poles and finish securely.
5. With people controlling both poles, slowly spread the butt ends to form the A-frame.

Inspection: The lashing should be tight enough to hold the poles together but still allow the frame to hinge open as designed.

Tripod Lashing

Use: Joins three poles that will spread into a self-standing tripod.

1. Lay three poles side by side with their butt ends even.
2. Start on one outside pole and make several wraps around all three poles.
3. Make firm frapping turns in both gaps between the poles.
4. Finish securely on an outside pole.
5. Stand the poles and spread the legs into a wide, even footprint.

Inspection: The tripod head should not roll and the footprint should be wide and stable. Add braces when the project calls for them.

Floor Lashing

Use: Attaches a row of floor, shelf, seat, or tabletop poles to supporting poles.

1. Start just inside the first floor pole on one support.
2. Loop the rope over the floor pole, under the support, and back over the floor pole.
3. Pull the running part between the first and second floor poles to tighten the loops.
4. Repeat for each floor pole and finish at the far end.
5. Repeat the process along the second support.

Inspection: Every floor pole should be secured to both supports, the spacing should be even, and no pole should roll or slide.

Four Questions for Any Lashing