Square Lashing

Uses: To bind poles that are in contact and cross each other at any angle from 45º to 90º. If the angle of contact is greater than 45º, a shear lashing should be used.

Efficiency: Thought to be the most secure lashing available.






 

Instructions: 1) Tie a clove hitch to the vertical pole. 2) Twist the standing end of the rope around the running end. This is to secure the clove hitch so that it will not slip. 3) Bring the running end up and over the cross pole; then around the vertical pole; and back down over the cross pole. 4) Pass the rope behind the vertical pole and back up in front of the cross pole; this completes the first wrapping. 5) Take two more wrapping turns for a total of three wrappings and pull each turn tight. 6) Start the frapping turns by taking one complete turn around the cross pole.  This turn prevents the rope from crossing the wrapping turns on a diagonal. 7) Take at least two frapping turns; keeping the turns parallel to each other and pull them tight as they are made. 8) When the last frapping turn is in place, take a half hitch around the cross pole, working it tight. 9) Add a second half hitch to form a clove hitch around the cross pole and work it tight.

Notes: The square lashing gets its name from the fact that the wrapping turns are at 90º or "square" to the poles.

Traditional square lashing is the most frequently used and the most secure form of lashing. If tied properly, the square lashing will remain tight and secure; however, as with all lashings, if any steps are omitted or done carelessly, the lashing will loosen and create a dangerous situation.