Diagonal Lashing

Uses: Diagonal lashing is used to bind poles together that cross each other but do not touch when their ends are lashed in place in a structure. The diagonal lashing can be used to bind poles that cross each other from 90° to 45°. If the angle between the poles is less than 45° a shear lashing should be used.

Instructions: 1) Tie a timber hitch diagonally around both poles. 2) Start the wrapping turns on the opposite diagonal to the timber hitch, by pulling the rope tight so that the poles contact each other. 3) Take 3 to 4 wrapping turns; keep the wrapping turns parallel and pull each wrapping turn tight. 4) Start the second set of wrapping turns by going past and around the vertical pole. (Going around the pole allows the direction of the rope to be changed without crossing the first set of wrapping diagonally.) 5) Take 3 to 4 wrapping turns; be sure to keep the wrapping turns parallel and pull each wrapping turn tight. 6) Start the frapping turns by going past and around one of the poles. (Going around the pole allows the direction of the rope to be changed without crossing the first set of wrapping diagonally.) 7) Take 2 to 3 frapping turns; keep the frapping turns parallel and be sure to pull each turn tight. 8) End the lashing with a clove hitch. Take the first half hitch of the clove hitch by going past and then around one of the poles. Lock the half hitch tight against the lashing by working it tight. 9) Take the second half hitch around the pole. 10) Work the second half hitch tight against the first half hitch so that the clove hitch is locked against the lashing.