SQUARE LASHING:

Use ---- To bind poles that are in contact and cross each other at any angle from 45° to 90°.

Comments ---- The square lashing gets it name from the fact that the wrapping turns are at 90° 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, but, as with all lashings, if any steps are omitted or done carelessly, the lashing will loosen and create a dangerous situation.

The square lashing can be used to bind poles together that cross and contact each other at any angle from 45° to 90°. If the angle of contact is greater than 45°, a shear lashing should be used. When tying a square lashing, the poles and the rope must be positioned properly to achieve the maximum strength. The cross pole should be position so that the force applied to the cross pole is directed toward the pole it is lashed to; this allows the wood to wood contact to bare part of the load; if the force tends to separate the poles, only the rope will be supporting the load. The beginning clove hitch should be tied to the pole that is closest to parallel to the direction of the force and to the side of the cross pole that is opposite to the direction of the force.

In most cases the force applied to a structure is due to gravity, therefore downward, this means that the beginning clove hitch is usually tied to the vertical pole, and under the cross pole. The standing end of the rope is secured by wrapping it around the running end.

Narration ------ (For square lash knotboard.)

(1) Tie a clove hitch to the vertical pole.
(2) Wrap the standing end of the rope around the running end [NOTE] The wrapping of the standing part around the running part is to secure the clove hitch so that it will not slip around the pole and loosen the lashing from the inside.
(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. [NOTE] Notice that the rope goes around the pole perpendicular, at 90°, tothe length of the pole. This 90° angle gives the square lashing its name.
(5) Take two more wrapping turns for a total of three wrappings: pull each turn tight. [NOTE] When the wrappings are taken around the vertical pole the rope should be to the inside of the previous wrapping turn; and the wrappings around the cross pole should be to the outside of the previous wrapping turn. When this pattern of taking the wrapping turns is followed the rope strands remain parallel; this insures the maximum contact between the wood and the rope. Also if the strands are not kept parallel, the additional friction between the crossed strands will make it difficult to properly tighten the wrapping turns.

(6) Start the frapping turns by taking one complete turn around the cross pole; [NOTE] The turn around the cross pole prevents the rope from crossing the wrapping turns on a diagonal. If the change of direction between the wrapping turns and the frapping turns is made by passing the rope diagonally across the wrapping turns, the increased friction between the rope strands will make it difficult to pull the wrapping turns tight. A diagonal across the wrapping turns will also allow unnecessary movement within the completed lashing, which could cause chaffing of the rope.
(7) Take at least two frapping turns; keep the turns parallel to each other; pull each turn tight as it is made. [NOTE] Keeping the frapping turns parallel prevents unnecessary friction between the turns making it easier to tighten the frapping turns.
(8) When the last frapping turn is in place, take a half hitch around the cross pole, work the half hitch tight. [NOTE] To prevent the rope from crossing the wrapping turns diagonally when tying the half hitch, take the rope past the cross pole on the same plain as the frapping turns, then around the cross pole. [NOTE] To work the half hitch tight, first pull the running end toward the standing end. This will tighten the frapping turns. Next, while

keeping tension on the running end pull it in the opposite direction so that the loop of the half hitch will slip around the pole. This takes up any slack left in the rope. Work the running end back and forth in this way until the half hitch is locked tight against the lashing. If this half hitch is not locked against the lashing the ending clove hitch can slip around the pole allowing the lashing to loosen.
(9) Add a second half hitch to form a clove hitch around the cross pole; work half hitch tight.

[NOTE] If smooth rope is being used a third half
hitch added to the clove hitch will help insure that the lashing will stay securely in place.