Lavarr Posted May 29, 2011 Report Share Posted May 29, 2011 Hi all, I've noticed 2 little knot in 2 of my lines. They are simple overhand knot but I'm unable to untie them because they are too small. I have a set of LPG 90 lb. I've check my lines and don't think that those knots affect the lines length in a perceptible way. Can this knots compromise the strength of the lines? Can I leave them in place or I have to untie them? thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwmeek Posted May 29, 2011 Report Share Posted May 29, 2011 They DO compromise the strength of the line. A knot takes almost half the strength of the straight line. OTOH, you probably rarely load those lines to their full strength. 4 x 90# is 360# - it would probably knock you down or drag you. However, gusts, or sudden yanks on the line as you do maneuvers may cause loading close to the maximum. I suggest a magnifier, and a couple of needles to try to loosen the knots until you can untie them with tweezers. Try to insert the needles into the knot between the lines, which will pull more line into the knot, which will loosen it. A good, large magnifier with good light, or a visor-type magnifier with good external lighting, will really help. As you say, the knots are too small to work on with the un-aided eye. Try not to break any fibers as you work with the needles, as that would also weaken the line. I keep a couple of needles jammed into the ends of 5/16" (8-10mm) wood dowels, and a set of pointed tweezers, in my tool kit. Very useful for a lot of things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portlandflyer Posted May 29, 2011 Report Share Posted May 29, 2011 Had the very same situation only with 50# line!!! The needle trick worked for me!!! Really take care as you try undoing the knot to not break any strands of line!! Take your time, you'll get it out!! Patience grasshopper!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnfarl Posted May 29, 2011 Report Share Posted May 29, 2011 patience unending patience. Also good to dull with file or emory the points on the needles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavarr Posted May 29, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 29, 2011 Thanks! But i'm afraid of ruin the lines using needle. It's very easy to catch some fiber... Maybe I should shorten all the four lines since both knots are very close to the end of the lines. I'll give it a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwmeek Posted May 29, 2011 Report Share Posted May 29, 2011 Darning needles have blunt/round points. They may be easier to work with. I'm just careful not to push too hard. I do NOT pick at the knot. I push the needle through as close to the division between the line parts as possible. This gains some slack so I can pull at the line parts with the tweezers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiteking Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 Thanks! But i'm afraid of ruin the lines using needle. It's very easy to catch some fiber... Maybe I should shorten all the four lines since both knots are very close to the end of the lines. I'll give it a try. Try to get the knots out first, worst case, you have to shorten the lines, which is alot more work good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portlandflyer Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 Try to get the knots out first, worst case, you have to shorten the lines, which is alot more work good luck I agree, it's good practice and if you have to shorten the lines, nothing lost but time!! Give it a try!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baloo Posted May 31, 2011 Report Share Posted May 31, 2011 You might find that a fine needle just to open the knot a little, then a fatter needle to open it more works, thats how I did it. Ad nice and slow, no rush. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.