5 steps
Sheepshank
Shortens a rope or isolates a damaged section. Two bights, each locked with a half hitch. It holds only while the rope stays tight.
Use it for
Shortens a rope or isolates a damaged section. Two bights, each locked with a half hitch. It holds only while the rope stays tight.
This line
Not for fishing line.
Avoid when
A damaged dock line you can replace. Replace it. The sheepshank is temporary.
All steps visible
Sheepshank
Step 1
Fold out two bights to take up the slack.
Step 2
Half-hitch one standing part over the first bight.
Step 3
Half-hitch the other standing part over the second bight.
Step 4
Pull both ends.
Step 5
Keep the rope tight or it will spill.
The drawing follows this tying order. Pause, step, or scrub to stay with the words. The standing line runs to the reel. The tag is the short end you trim. Skin-hook means the point lies flat in the plastic, not out where grass can grab it.
Common mistakes
- The rope going slack, which spills the shank.
- Using it to join two ropes.