Packer's Knot
( Butcher's knot | Parcel Knot | Meat Packer's Knot | ABOK #187 )
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Usage
The Packer's Knot is a specialized knot traditionally used for binding roasts, tying packages, hand baling, or securing bundles. It is typically tied using small line or string and provides a strong initial tightening with an adjustable second part for easy cinching. The knot is formed by creating a Figure Eight Knot around the standing part of the line, then locking it in place with one or more half hitches. This makes it particularly useful when tension is needed to hold items securely, while still allowing for adjustments without fully untying the knot. The Packer's Knot is part of a family of similar knots known as butcher's knots.
Common Uses
- tie up a parcel or package tightly with string.
- bind a rolled roast or meat for cooking.
- cinch a bundle of sticks, hay bales, or straw for transport.
- cinch a rolled bedroll or blanket into a tight bundle with cord.
- close and tighten a bag or sack for shipping.
- bundle pipes or lumber together tightly for transport.
Also known as
- Butcher's knot
- Parcel Knot
- Meat Packer's Knot
ABOK
- 187
Structure
The Packer's Knot incorporates a Figure Eight Knot formed around the standing part of the line, with both ends emerging parallel from the same point within the figure eight. This structure facilitates 'jamming,' which gives the knot its secure locking feature.
Strength/Reliability
Even without the locking half-hitch the knot will generally maintain tension while additional tying is accomplished, such as putting a second, perpendicular, wrap on a package or roast.
