JAPANESE SQUARE LASHINGS:

Comments The Japanese Square Lashings are a group of similar lashings that are all tied in a similar manner. The main difference is in the way each lashing is started.

The simplest and easiest form of the Japanese square lashing is tied by looping the center of the rope around the vertical spar and carrying the stands parallel to each other while taking the wrapping turns. The frapping turns are taken by separating the ends of the rope and taking them in opposite directions.

The MarkII Japanese Square Lashing is tied by looping the center of the rope around the upright spar and than forming the wrapping turns by taking the ends of the rope in opposite directions.

The Mark III is the same as the Mark II but a clove hitch is tied around the up right spar when starting the lashing.

The Mark III is the most secure of the three Japanese square lashings because the clove hitch helps to prevent the lashing from shifting along the vertical spar.

Narration -----(For Japanese square lash knotboard.) (1) Start the lashing by looping the center of the rope around the vertical spar so that the loops under the horizontal spar. (2) Start the wrapping turns by leading the ends around the spars so that the two strands of the rope are parallel to each other. (3) When making the wrapping turns the two strands of the rope are lead around the spars at 90⁰ to the spars; do not allow the strand to cross, be sure to keep the strands parallel. (4)Complete the wrapping turns by leading the rope strand around the vertical pole. (5) Start the frapping turns by separating the strands so that one strand is above the horizontal spar and the other strand is below the horizontal spar. (6) Lead the frapping strands in opposite directions. (7) Make two complete frapping turns; pull each turn tight as it is made; tie the first half knot of the ending square knot. (8) Tie the second half knot of the square knot to complete the lashing. (9) For safety add half hitches; The half hitches prevent the square knot from upsetting.

Narration ---(For Japanese square lash, mark II knotboard.) (1) Start the lashing by tying the center of the rope around the vertical spar with a clove hitch so that the clove hitch is under the horizontal spar. (2) Make the first wrapping turn by leading the ends up over the front of the horizontal spar and then in opposite directions behind the vertical spar. (3) Pull the strands tight but do not allow them to cross each other. (4) Add the second wrapping turn by leading the ends of the rope down over the front of the horizontal spar and then in opposite directions behind the vertical spar. (5) Complete the frapping turns by leading the ends of the rope up over the front of the horizontal spar and then in opposite directions behind the vertical spar. Position the strands of rope for starting the frapping tuns by leading them behind the horizontal spar. [NOTE] When pulled tight the strands will cross behind the vertical spar.

(6) Lead the frapping strands in opposite directions below and in front of the vertical spar and then behind the horizontal spar. (7) Make the second frapping turn by leading the ends above and in front of the vertical spar and then behind the horizontal spar; pull each turn tight as it is made. (8) End the second frapping turn by tying the firs half knot of the ending square knot. (9) Complete the ending square knot by adding a second half knot. (10) Pull the square knot tight [NOTE] For safety add half hitches around the horizontal spar to either side of the square knot; The half hitches prevent the square knot from upsetting.