Sheepshank

• The Sheepshank is a shortening knot, which enables a rope to be shortened non-destructively.

· The knot is only really secure under tension; it will fall apart when slack. (See tip below.)

• Tip. Use up to five half hitches each end of the Sheepshank to make the knot more secure, and for fine-tuning the shortening.

· Tip. Never cut ropes to shorten them! Always use a shortening knot such as the Sheepshank, or coil the excess.

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