newbie question: knots in 1.5 inch diameter hessian rope

[tim89531]

Hi,
I am newbie.  I want to tie a really thick (1.5 in) hessian (? or similar natural fibre) rope to a bolt in the ceiling for kids to climb, and the thickness of this rope is proving a problem. 

All the knots I can find in books etc are useless because the rope's 'turning circle' (there's probably a better technical term) is too large: I can't form a bight in the rope that closes in on itself adequately, and most bends I try cannot form properly.  If I force a curve in the rope I fear the threads in the rope will break or produce an unravelling force. 

Am I better treating the rope as a straight pole, and using (e.g.) a smaller cord via a prussic hitch to attach to the ceiling?

And are stopper knots in such a thick rope prohibited because they cannot be tightened without destroying the rope? 

Thanks for any suggestions,

tim

[SS369]

Hi Tim and welcome.

I have a used climbing rope (1.25") that I have suspended from the ridge beam of my shop. When I got it, some time back, it had an overhand tied at the bottom for people to put their feet on to get stabilized. I had a heck of a time untying it, so I know that a large rope such as this can be tightened to that degree and it hasn't been damaged either by the tying, the set knot/abuse or the untying.

If you do use a gripping hitch with a smaller diameter rope to affix it to your anchor, make sure that it exceeds all unexpected loadings. Could be that multiple assailants will trying their best to pull it down.  Same goes for the anchor point itself.

I would recommend a eye bolt with nut and washer (not a screw) then use a strong cord and many wraps to create an eye loop. Give a look here . http://www.ropeworks.biz/archive/seizing.html

Then there is the possibility that you might want to learn a spliced eye or wall and crown knots that will work with laid ropes. http://www.cosmopolitanuniversity.ac/library/knots/13510-h.htm

SS

[tim89531]

Thanks!

Tim