Monkey’s Fist
What Is It Monkey’s Fist?
A monkey’s fist or monkey paw is a knot that is tied at the end of a rope to serve as a weight. It is so named as it resembles a monkey’s fist or paw. The main purpose of the knot is to serve as a weight at the end of a rope. It can be thrown simply that way. It is very easy to conceal and use it as a weapon to slow down your attacker. It superficially resembles the Turk’s head knot.
Where Did It Come From? – The History
It originated as a heaving line knot on sailing ships of yesteryear. Formerly, it was also used as a melee weapon among gangs and sailors. It was used as a weight thrown from one ship to another to bring the 2 vessels together. This use as a lifeline from boat to boat gained it the symbolism of solidarity among the hobo community.
How Much Rope Is Needed?
The rope length should be 4-5 feet.
How to Tie a Monkey’s Fist
The picture guides you in tying the knot in a simple step by step.
Tips
- Instead of creating the sides with 3 strands each, you can make them so as to possess 4 strands each.
- It would be a good idea to create the knot loose, insert the ball and tighten it around the object, pulling, at a time, one loop taut.
- It can be tied with paracord/hemp/leather lacing and a ball bearing as the supplies.
- Can be made in 2 colors to give it a beautiful multi-colored look.
- Instead of a steel ball as indicated above, a golf or tennis ball can be used to lend the spherical shape.
- You can tie it with a 550 cord.
- For a smaller knot, you can use a marble as the core. However, you can do the mini version without the marble just by placing the rope between your fingers and tightening appropriately.
- If you want you can finish it with a diamond knot, snake knot, etc.
- A giant monkey fist knot can be made with a pool ball.
- The above diagram shows the tying of the knot without a jig.
Variation
- Double monkey fist – Larger. Has 12 faces instead of the 6 faces of the traditional moneky’s fist knot.
Uses
- In keychains (key fobs, cobra knot keychains), zipper pulls, keyrings and lanyards. It gives them a nautical look. A monkey’s fist, lanyard and a square knot combination can make a superb paracord fob.
- For self defence (though it is an illegal weapon in some places).
- As an anchor in rock climbing by putting it into a crack.
- Survival.
- As a closure mechanism in paracord bracelets.
- As a doorstop, dog toy, drawer pull, bookmark, bookend, curtain tie back, place card holder, table number holder.
- Making jewelry like earrings, necklaces.
- Creating fire poi heads.
- Boating.
- As a ball gag for your partner.
- Heaving.
- A stronger and more durable replacement for the handle traditional handle of a parachute.
- Its tactical addition to your knife allows you to draw the latter quickly from your pocket.
- As a pair in cufflinks.
- Design nautical knobs, pillows, curtain rods, finials, lamps.
- As fancy buttons, ornament, planter.
- In macramé patterns and wedding décor.
How to Tie a Monkey’s Fist Step by Step Video
How to Tie a Monkey’s Fist Step by Step
- Make 3 turns around your fingers and wrap the rope end around horizontally
- Wrap it around 2 more times
- Pass it through the loop
- Wrap it around the horizontal section 3 times
- Take it out. Insert a ball for giving a spherical shape
- Pull to tighten
- The knot is complete
Alternative
- Globe knot – A fun way to wrap around a wooden ball or any similar core. Has more faces.