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Page 1: pioneering - Elsinga Merit Badge Pamphlet 35931.pdf · 4 PIONEERING 7. Build a scale model of a signal tower or a monkey bridge. Correctly anchor the model using either the 1-1-1

pioneering

Page 2: pioneering - Elsinga Merit Badge Pamphlet 35931.pdf · 4 PIONEERING 7. Build a scale model of a signal tower or a monkey bridge. Correctly anchor the model using either the 1-1-1
Page 3: pioneering - Elsinga Merit Badge Pamphlet 35931.pdf · 4 PIONEERING 7. Build a scale model of a signal tower or a monkey bridge. Correctly anchor the model using either the 1-1-1

Pioneering

BoY SCoUTS oF AMeriCAMeriT BADge SerieS

Page 4: pioneering - Elsinga Merit Badge Pamphlet 35931.pdf · 4 PIONEERING 7. Build a scale model of a signal tower or a monkey bridge. Correctly anchor the model using either the 1-1-1

Note to the CounselorBecause this Pioneering merit badge pamphlet will be used throughout the United States, merit badge counselors should understand that not every method can be fully described here. Different parts of the country might use other names for a knot, a method, or a piece of equipment. Counselors may employ other methods described and illustrated in other Scouting literature.

Some pioneering skills or methods called for in the requirements will take practice and time to master. Therefore, having multiple hands-on sessions to earn the merit badge is advisable. The term “demonstrate” in the requirements means just that—the Scout should show that he has learned the skill and can use it.

Keep in mind that, because of equipment availability, parts of some requirements might have to be done at summer camp, at district or council events, or on a troop camp outing. In such cases, the person conducting the review and approving any partial completion must be approved to do so by the local council.

The appearance of a finished project or structure is not as important as the correctness of individual knots and lashings. The project should be judged for its structural soundness, to determine if it was built to safely withstand the use for which it was intended. Only the approved designs shown in this pamphlet or other Boy Scouts of America literature are recommended.

In earning this merit badge, the Scout has a chance to learn skills that will be useful in a wide variety of Scouting and non-Scouting activi-ties. These skills should become an ongoing part of a Scout’s advance-ment and his growing participation in new and challenging adventures. Earning the Pioneering merit badge could equip him to later teach younger Scouts, or could add another dimension to his value as a camp staff member.

Planning ahead, making certain as you go, and ensuring safety go hand in hand with the Scout motto, Be Prepared. In pioneering, discipline is essential. Pioneering is a challenge that can instill long-term habits of doing things right the first time.

35931ISBN 978-0-8395-3377-1©2006 Boy Scouts of America2008 Printing

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PIONEERING 3

Requirements 1.Showthatyouknowfirstaidforinjuriesorillnessthat

couldoccurwhileworkingonpioneeringprojects,includ-ingminorcutsandabrasions,bruises,ropeburns,blisters,splinters,sprains,heatandcoldreactions,dehydration,andinsectbitesorstings.

2.Dothefollowing:

a.SuccessfullycompleteTenderfootrequirements4aand4bandFirstClassrequirements7a,7b,and7c.(Thesearetherope-relatedrequirements.)

b.Tiethefollowing:squareknot,bowline,sheepshank,sheetbend,androundturnwithtwohalfhitches.

c.Demonstratethefollowing:tripodandroundlashings.

3. Explainwhyitisusefultobeabletothrowarope,thendemonstratehowtocoilandthrowa40-footlengthof1⁄4-or3⁄8-inchrope.Explainhowtoimproveyourthrowingdistancebyaddingweighttotheendofyourrope.

4. Explainthedifferencesbetweensyntheticropesandnatural-fiberropes.Discusswhichtypesofropearesuitableforpioneeringworkandwhy.Includethefollowinginyourdiscussion:breakingstrength,safeworkingloads,andthecareandstorageofrope.

5. Explaintheusesforthebacksplice,eyesplice,andshortsplice.Using1⁄4-or3⁄8-inchthree-strandedrope,demon-stratehowtoformeachsplice.

6. Usingarope-makingdeviceormachine,makearopeatleast6feetlongconsistingofthreestrands,eachhavingthreeyarns.

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4 PIONEERING

7. Buildascalemodelofasignaltoweroramonkeybridge.Correctlyanchorthemodelusingeitherthe1-1-1anchor-ingsystemorthelogandstakeanchoringmethod.Describethedesignofyourprojectandexplainhowtheanchoringsystemworks.

8. Demonstratetheuseofaropetacklebyliftingaweightof25poundsandpullingalogatleast6inchesindiame-terand6feetlongwiththetackle.Usethetackletoputtensiononaline.Explaintheadvantagesandlimitationsofusingaropetackle.Inyourexplanation,describethepotentialdamagethatfrictioncandotoarope.

9. Byyourself,buildanA-trestleORX-trestleORH-trestleusingsquareanddiagonallashings.Explaintheapplicationofthetrestleyoubuild.Demonstratehowtotietwosparstogetherusingashearlashing.

10. WithagroupofScoutsORonyourown,selectapioneer-ingprojectandgetyourcounselor’sapprovalbeforeyoubeginbuilding.Withyourcounselor’sguidance,createaroughsketchoftheproject.Makealistoftheropesandsparsneeded,thenbuildtheproject.(Note:Thisrequire-mentmaybedoneatsummercamp,atdistrictorcouncilevents,oronatroopcampouting.)

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PIONEERING 5

Contents

PioneeringPastandPresent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

PioneeringSafely. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Rope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Knots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

SplicingRope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

MakingRope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

AnchorsandRopeTackle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Lashings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

PioneeringProjects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

PioneeringResources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

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Pioneering Past and Present.

PioneeringPastandPresentPioneering—theknowledgeofropes,knots,andsplicesalongwiththeabilitytobuildrusticstructuresbylashingtogetherpolesandspars—isamongtheoldestandmosthonoredofScouting’sskills.PracticingropeuseandcompletingprojectswithlashingsalsoallowScoutstoconnectwithpastgenera-tions,ancestorswhousedmanyoftheseskillsastheysailedtheopenseasandlivedinAmerica’sforestsandprairies.

Knots,splices,andlashingsareformedtodaythesamewaystheyhavebeendoneforalongtime.Whetherbuiltasmodelsorfull-sizedstructuresinthefield,thepioneeringproj-ectsyoucompletewilllookverymuchastheywouldhaveatanytimeinScouting’shistory.

Ofcourse,thereareafewdifferences.OneimportantchangeinpioneeringisScouting’sdeepcommitmenttotheprinciplesofLeaveNoTrace.Wherepioneeringprojectsarebuiltcanbeeverybitasimportanttodayashowtheyarebuilt.Protectingtheenvironment,usingappropriatematerials,andremovingallevidenceofyouractivitiesafteraneventlieattheheartofresponsibleScouting—andpioneering—inthe21stcentury.

Scouting’s

founders believed

that pioneering

was an important

way for Scouts to

gain confidence

in their abilities

and to be prepared

to make the

most of outdoor

experiences.

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PIONEERING 7

.Pioneering Past and Present

ScoutsfollowtheprinciplesofLeaveNoTracewherevertheyparticipateinoutdooractivities—includingpioneering.Planningandpreparingwillhelpensurethatyouhavechosentherightplaceforyouractivitiesandthatthematerialsyouusecomefromenvironment-friendlysources.

• Selectdurablesurfacesforbuildingpioneeringprojectstominimizethetramplingofvegetation,andarrangeforaccesstotoiletfacilities.

• FollowallLeaveNoTraceprinciplestobecertainyouarealsorespectingwildlifethatmaketheirhomesinyourpioneeringprojectarea.

• Beconsiderateofvisitorswhohappenuponpioneer-ingprojects.PolitelyshareinformationaboutwhatyouaredoingandaboutScouting.Alsogiveguidancethatwillhelpensuretheirsafety,perhapsbyescortingthemaroundaprojectinprogressorbyshowingthemwheretostandwhiletheywatch.

• Minimizecampfireimpactbyusingacampstovewhenapioneeringeventincludescookingameal.Wherecampfiresareallowed,manageyoursinawaythatletsyouremoveallevidenceitwaseverthere.

• Leavewhatyoufind,andleavetheareainthesamecondi-tionyoufoundit.Dismantlestructureswhenyouaredonewiththem,andstoreallbuildingmaterials.

• Disposeproperlyofwaste,andcleanupallbitsofropeandotherbuildingmaterialsattheendofapioneeringevent.

Withitsrichhistoryanddynamicprojects,pioneeringpullstogetherthebestfeaturesofScouting.Asyouplanandbuildyourpioneeringproject,makeitafun,safe,andpositiveadventure.

As you plan your

pioneering projects,

make sure you

consult with

your merit badge

counselor along

the way, and get

your counselor’s

approval before

you begin building.

Pioneering the Leave No Trace Way• Plan ahead and prepare.

• Travel and camp on durable surfaces.

• Dispose of waste properly.

• Leave what you find.

• Minimize campfire impacts.

• Respect wildlife.

• Be considerate of other visitors.

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.Pioneering Safely

PioneeringSafelyBuildingascalemodelofapioneeringprojectinvolvesfewrisks.However,constructingfull-sizedtowersandbridgesrequiresakeeneyetowardsafety.Manageriskduringpioneer-ingprojectsbybeingalerttoyoursurroundingsandbytakingactionwheneveryounoticeapotentialhazard.Doingsowillhelppreventaccidents,avertemergencies,andensureafun,safetime.

Pioneering Safety GuidelinesFollowtheseguidelineswheneverbuildingandusingpioneeringstructures.

• Dressfortheweather.Whennecessary,wearglovestoprotectyourhands.

• Useropesandmaterialsthatareingoodconditionandappropriatefortheproject.

• Coilandstoreropeswhentheyarenotinuse.

• Avoidwrappingaropearoundyourarmorwaistwhendraggingorliftingaload.

• Dopioneeringworkonlywhenitisniceoutside,neverduringrainyweatherorinwetconditionsthatcanmakeropesandsparsslippery.

• Practicegoodbodymechanicswhenliftingandhauling.Liftnomoreweightthanyoucanhandlesafely.

• Useflaggingtapetomarkanchorlines,ropesstretchedbetweentrees,hangingloopsofrope,andcordsorropesthatcouldtriporentanglesomeone.

• Standclearofanyweightsuspendedbyarope.

• Stayofftothesideofaropethatistensioned(understrainfromaload).Atensionedropemaysnapbackifitbreaks,aknotcomesloose,orananchorgivesway.

Managing risk

includes being

prepared to handle

emergencies that

might occur

during pioneering.

PIONEERING 9

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10 PIONEERING

Pioneering Safely.

First-Aid PreparednessPioneeringcallsforknowledgeoffirstaid.Makeitapointtoknowhowtorespondinanemergency.Beingpreparedhelpsensurethatyouandyourpioneeringfriendswillhaveglitch-freefun.

Cold- and Hot-Weather FactorsHypothermiaoccurswhenthebody’scoretemperaturedropssolowthatitcannolongerkeepwarm.Hypothermiacanhappeninrelativelymildweather,butcool,windy,andrainyweatherareparticularlydangerous.Preventhypothermiabystayingwarmanddryandeatingplentyofenergyfoods(nuts,driedfruits,peanutbutter).Donotpushyourselftoadanger-ouspointoffatigue.Earlysignsofhypothermiaincludebluishlipsandshivering.Asthevictimbecomescolder,theshiveringwillstop.Othersymptomsmayincludefatigue,irritability,anddisorientation.Begintreatmentforhypothermiabyremovingdampclothingandwarmingtheperson.Preventfurtherheatloss;movethevictimtoashelterandcovertheheadforwarmth.Ifthevictimisabletoswallow,offerhotdrinksandfood.Severehypothermiarequiresimmediatemedicalattention.

Whenever you go

pioneering, you

and your group

should have a

first-aid kit onsite

and know how to

use it. In advance,

discuss how to

summon medical

assistance in case

of an emergency

(usually by

calling 911).

If you suspect hypothermia because someone is acting strangely, challenge the person to walk, heel to toe, a 30-foot line scratched on the ground. If the person shows unsteadiness, loss of balance, or other signs of disorientation, take immediate action to get the victim warm and dry.

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PIONEERING 11

.Pioneering Safely

Dehydration, orlackofwaterinthebody,canoccuratanytemperatureifapersonissweatingprofuselyand/ornotdrinkingenoughliquids.Avoiddehydrationbydrinkingplentyoffluidsandeatingenoughthroughouttheday.Donotwaittodrinkuntilyoufeelthirsty.Ifsomeoneinyourgroupbecomeswearyorconfused,ordevelopsaheadacheorbodyaches,havethepersonrestintheshadeandsipwateruntilthesymptomssubside.

Heat exhaustionisoneresultofdehydration.Thebodybecomesoverheatedbecauseitscoolingmethodsfail.Watchforthesesigns:elevatedbodytemperature(between98.6and102degrees);pale,clammyskin—evencooltothetouch;heavysweating;nausea,dizziness,andfainting;pronouncedweak-nessandtiredness;headache;musclecramps.Totreatheatexhaustion,havethevictimliedowninashady,coolspotwiththefeetraised.Loosentheclothing.Applycool,dampclothstotheskin,oruseafan.Havethevictimsipwater.

Heatstroke(sunstroke)isfarmoreseriousthanheatexhaustion.Watchforthesesigns:bodytemperatureabove102degrees(oftenabove105degrees);red,hot,anddryskin;nosweating;extremelyrapidpulse;confusionordisorientation;faintingorunconsciousness;convul-sions.Theskyrocketingbodytemperatureofheatstrokeislife-threatening.Coolthevictimimmediately.Placethepersoninacool,shadedspotface-upwithheadandshoul-dersraised.Removeouterclothing,spongethebareskinwithcoldwater,andsoakunderclothingwithcoolwater.Applycoldpacks,useafan,orplacethevictiminatubofcoldwater.Drytheskinafterthebodytemperaturedropsto101degrees.Obtainmedicalhelpimmediately.

Sunburnisacommonbutpotentiallyseriousresultofoverexposuretothesun.Long-termexposurecanresultinskindamageandskincancer.Topreventsunburn,limityourexposuretothesun,wearloose-fittingclothingthatcoversthearmsandlegs,andwearabroad-brimmedhattoshadetheneckandface.Toprotectexposedskin,applysunscreenwithasunprotectionfactor(SPF)ofatleast15.Reapplysunscreenoftenandasneeded.

The Boy Scout

Handbook,

Fieldbook, and

First Aid merit

badge pamphlet

give more detailed

information about

first aid.

Don’t forget the

ears and back of

the neck when

applying sunscreen.

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Pioneering Safely.

Minor InjuriesMostminorinjuriescanbetreatedonthespot,withoutcomplications.

Minor cuts and abrasions usuallyrequireonlycleaninganddisinfectingwithsoapandwater.Leavethemtohealinthe

air,orcoverlightlywithadry,steriledressingorbandagetohelppreventinfection.Unlessacutisserious,

bleedingprobablywillstoponitsownorwithslightpressureonthewound.

Ifawoundissoseverethatitdoesnotstopbleedingreadily,applydirectandfirm

pressureusingasteriledressingorcompress.Itmayhelptoraisetheinjuredlimb(ifnobonesarebroken)aboveheartlevel.Apply

pressuretothelocalartery.Ifthebleedingisprolonged,treatforshockandseekmedical

attentionimmediately.Bruisesbleedundertheskin.Applyinganicepacktoa

bruisewillreducepainandswelling.Rope burns, orfrictionburns,canhappenwhenarope

slidestooquicklythroughyourhandsorwhenanypartofthebodyencountersafast-movingrope.Aropeburnleavesskinraw,red,andsometimesblistered.Thebestprotectionagainstropeburnsonthehandsis,ofcourse,towearprotectivegloves.Ifaburndoesoccur,cleantheareawithmildsoapandwatertohelppreventinfection.

Always consider

blood to be a

potential source

of infection; never

touch someone

else’s blood with

bare skin. Always

use a protective

barrier such as

disposable

gloves, and wash

thoroughly

afterward with

soap and water.

A pioneering first-aid kit should include basic items for treating minor injuries and to provide initial care should a more serious emergency arise. Include a few adhesive bandages, two 3-by-3-inch sterile gauze pads, a small roll of adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, one 3-by-6-inch moleskin, a small bar of soap, a small tube of antiseptic, a tube of 0.5 percent hydrocortisone cream, moleskin or molefoam for blisters, one roller bandage, a pair of latex gloves, plastic goggles or other eye protection, a mouth-barrier device (for rescue breathing or CPR), and a pencil and paper. This can all fit in a resealable plastic bag.

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PIONEERING 13

.Pioneering Safely

Blistersformwhenskinisirritated,usuallybyfrictionorheat.Ahotspotsignalsthebeginningofablister.Stopimmediatelyandprotectthetenderareabycuttingapieceofmoleskinormolefoamandcoveringtheaffectedarea.Ifablis-terforms,buildupseverallayersofmoleskinormolefoam,asneeded,totakeoffthepressure.Blistersarebestleftunbroken.Treatabrokenblisterasyouwouldaminorcut.

Removesplinterswithtweezers.Encouragethewoundtobleedtoflushoutforeignmatter.Thenwashwithsoapandwater,andapplyantiseptic.Coverwithanadhesivebandage.

Asprainfromtwistingorwrenchingajointisusuallyquitepainfulandmayswell.Totreatasprain,raisetheinjuredarea,applycoldcompresses,andkeepthevictimstill.Forsevereorpersistentpain,seekmedicalattention.

Stings and BitesNomatterhowmuchinsectrepellentyouapply,insectswillstingandbite,sopayattentionwhereyouwalkandstand.Treatordinary insect stingsbyscrapingthestingeroutwiththebladeofaknife.Donottrytosqueezeitout;thatwillforcemorevenomintotheskin.Raisetheaffectedpart,gentlywashthearea,andapplyhydrocortisonecreamifavailable.

Fire ant stingscanbeextremelypainfuland—insomecases—causeasevereallergicreaction.Youcanspotfireantsbytheirdistinctiveloosemoundsofdirt.Whendisturbed,theseaggressiveantswillswarmandattackasagroupandstingrepeatedly.Theirstingsformtinyblisters;takecarenottobreaktheblisters.Washtheinjuredareawellwithantisepticorsoapandwater,thencoverwithasterilebandage.

Thestingsofthe common scorpionusuallyarenotasdangerousasbeestings.Thestingsoftencausesevere,sharppain,swelling,anddiscoloration,butgenerallyleavenolastingilleffects.Torelieveitchingandpainfromacommonscorpionsting,applyicepacksoracoldcompressifyouhaveit.Anover-the-counterantihistaminealsocanbegiven.Ifthevictimhasahistoryofallergicreactionstoinsectstingsorshowssignsofillness(persistentpainandswelling,numbness,breathingdifficulties),anddoesnotrespondtotheprescribedanti-dote,getmedicalhelpassoonaspossible.

If you have it,

apply 0.5 percent

hydrocortisone

cream to help

soothe insect

stings and bites.

Scorpion

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14 PIONEERING

Pioneering Safely.

Rarely,youmightencounteravenomous spider or scorpion.Ofparticularconcernarethebitesoftheblackwidowspider(identifiedbyaredhourglassontheundersideofitsabdomen)andthebrownreclusespider(recognizablebythefiddle-shapedmarkonitsback).LesscommonarestingsfromthevenomousscorpionsfoundinthedesertareasofArizona,California,andNewMexico.Totreatabiteorastingfromoneofthesecreatures,icethearea.Havethevictimliestilland,ifpossible,keepthearealowerthantheheart.Tieaconstrictingband(looseenoughtoslipafingerbetweenitandtheskin)betweenthebiteorstingandtheheart.Treatforshock,andwatchfordifficultyinbreathing;giverescuebreath-ingifrequired.Seekimmediatemedicalattention.

TickscancarrydiseasessuchasLymediseaseandRockyMountainspottedfever.Removeatickassoonasitisdiscov-eredbygraspingitsheadasclosetotheskinaspossiblewithtweezersorglovedfingertips;gentlyteasethecreaturefromthewound.Don’tsqueeze,twist,orjerkthetick;thatcouldbreakoffthemouthparts,leavingthemintheskin.Washthewoundareacarefullywithsoapandwateroranalcoholswab,andapplyantiseptic.Afterhandlingatick,washyourhandsthoroughly.

Always avoid

direct contact

with a tick

because disease

can be transmitted

by finger contact.

Wasp, hornet, bee, or fire ant stings can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Those people should take a field treatment kit with them on all outings, and their companions should be familiar with its use. If a sting reaction on an arm or leg is particularly severe, isolate its effect by tying a constricting band between the sting and the heart. The band must be loose enough for a finger to slide under it. Cool the wound with water (or ice, if available). Monitor the victim’s breathing and do rescue breathing if necessary. Seek medical help.

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PIONEERING 15

.Pioneering Safely

SnakebiteIfyouarebittenbyasnake,assumethatitisvenomousunlessitcanbepositivelyidentified.Learntorecognizevenomousvarietiestoknowwhenthere’sdangerandwhatactiontotake.

TwotypesofvenomoussnakesarefoundintheUnitedStates.Pitvipers(rattlesnakes,copperheads,cottonmouths)havetriangular-shapedheadswithpitsoneachsideinfrontoftheeyes.Coralsnakeshaveblacksnoutsandbandsofredandyellowseparatedbybandsofblack.Coralsnakesinjectapowerfulvenomthatworksonthevictim’snervoussystem;pitvipervenomaffectsthecirculatorysystem.

Suspectapitviperbiteiftherearepuncturemarks,painandswelling(possiblysevere),skindiscoloration,nauseaandvomiting,shallowbreathing,blurredvision,andshock.Acoralsnakebiteismarkedbyaslowingofphysicalandmentalreac-tions,sleepiness,nausea,shortnessofbreath,convulsions,shock,andcoma.

Getimmediatemedicalhelpforthesnakebitevictim.Whiledoingso,itisimportanttolimitthespreadofthevenomandtomaintainvitalsigns.Keepthevictimstillandthewoundbelowtheleveloftheheart.Tieabroadconstrictingbandaninchorwiderbetweenthebiteandthevictim’sheart(2to4inchesabovethebite).Donotuseconstrictionbandsonfingers,toes,thehead,theneck,orthetrunk.Swellingmaycausewatchbands,rings,clothing,andshoestorestrictcirculation;removetheseitemsfromthebitearea.Treatforshock.Donotapplyiceorgivealcohol,sedatives,oraspirin.

Rattlesnake

Weather-Related DangersYou should always remain aware of the weather, especially if lightning is in the area or is forecast. The weather doesn’t have to be stormy or rainy for lightning to strike. Even if you don’t see lightning, it can strike suddenly from gray, low clouds that could be rain clouds. Do not seek shelter under a tree or under an open shelter, and stay away from water. If a severe, sudden storm strikes, seek immediate shelter in a ravine, if possible. Before pioneering, always check the weather forecast. If severe weather is forecast, you may want to work on your scale model instead.

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1

2

3

Steps in whipping the end of a rope

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PIONEERING 17

.rope

RopeRopeisamongouroldesttools.Ancientpeoplesmadeusefullinesbytwistingorbraidingroots,reeds,plantfibers,orstripsofleatherandusedthemtohaulloadsandharnessanimals.Withrope,theycouldlashtogethertools,fishingnets,andshelters.

Ropeisstillimportantforworkandforplay.Withoutit,pioneeringprojectswouldbeimpossible.Whenchoosingaropeforapioneeringtask,considerhowstrongitis,howmuchitstretches,howeasilyithandles,andhowwellitresistsmildew,rot,andexposuretosunlight.Youwillalsowanttonotewhetheritismadeofnaturalfibersorofsynthetics.

Natural-Fiber RopeRopemakershavesettledonahandfulofplantsasthebestproducersofnaturalfibersformanufacturingropes.Eachhasitsadvantages.Thefibersmostoftenusedaremanila,sisal,cotton,andcoir.

Just as in prehistoric days, natural-fiber rope is still produced from plants. Fibers taken from stalks or leaves are twisted together to form thin yarn. Lengths of yarn are then twisted together in the opposite direction to form a thicker strand. Next, groupings of strands are twisted together, again in the original direction, to make a small rope. Finally, three of these small ropes are twisted together the opposite way to form the finished rope. The lay of the rope—the shape that results from alternating the directions for twisting the yarn, strands, and small ropes—allows a rope to hold its shape and resist unraveling.

To better understand the anatomy of a rope, take apart a short piece of three-strand natural-fiber rope. As you unravel the rope, notice how the smaller ropes, the strands, and the yarn have been twisted. Finally, unravel a single bit of yarn and you will find plant fibers—the raw mate-rial from which natural-fiber ropes are made.

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18 PIONEERING

rope.

Manila. Manilaropeismadeoffibersharvestedfromtheleafstemsoftheabacaplant(Musa textilis),anativeofthePhilippines.IttakesitsnamefromthecityofManila,thePhilippinecapital.Fiberscangrow10feetlong,makingthemidealforconstructingrope.Manilaropeiseasytohandleand,whennew,hasasmooth,silkyfeel.Itisstrong,doesnotstretchmuch,andisfairlyresistanttothedamagingeffectsofsunlight.Fortyingknotsandmakingsplicesandlashings,quarter-inchmanilaropeisagoodchoice.

Sisal.Sisalfibercomesfromaplantinthecactusfamily,Agave sisalana,foundinaridregionsofEastAfrica,CentralAmerica,andMexico.(Thenamesisalcomesfromasmalltowninthefiber-growingregionofMexico’sYucatanpenin-sula.)Becausethefibersareshorterthanthoseofmanilarope,sisalropehasonlyabouttwo-thirdsthestrengthofmanila.Sisalfibersalsohaveatendencytosplinter.Thisropeisnotasflexibleasmanilaandsoisnotaspracticalforlashingsandforpracticingknots.Ifknotsinsisalropebecomewet,kinksmayremainintheropeaftertheknotsareuntied.

Cotton. Thesamecottonplantfibersusedtomakeclothingcanalsobetwistedorbraidedtoformrope.Cottonropeisnotverystrong,butitissoftandeasytohandle.Itisidealforclotheslines,tyinguppackages,andotherusesthatdon’trequireittobearmuchweight.Cottonropeisnotusefulforpioneeringstructures.

Coir. OriginatingintheislandsofthePacific,coirropeismadeoffiberstakenfromcoconuthusks.Itisacoarserope,lightinweight,thatwillfloatandisnotharmedbysaltwater.Thechiefdisadvantageofcoirrope—anditisabigone—isthatitsveryshortfibersmakeittheweakestofmajornatural-fiberropes.Itisnotrecommendedforuseinpioneeringprojects,especiallythosethatwillbearweight.

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PIONEERING 19

.rope

Synthetic RopeSyntheticropeismanufacturedbytwistingorbraidingtogetherfibersmadefromsynthetic(mainlypetroleum-based)materials,givingavarietyofropetypesthatcanbeproducedinalmostanycolorandmatchedtomanyuses.Somesyntheticropescanbemorevulnerabletosunlightthannatural-fiberropes.However,theygenerallyresistrotandmildewbetterthannatural-fiberropesand,inmanycases,arestronger.

Polyester.Polyesterropeusuallyisfoundinbraided,ratherthantwisted,form.Thisstrong,durableropehandleswellanddoesn’tstretchmuch.Itislessaffectedbysunlightthanmostothersyntheticfibers.Polyesterropeisexcellentforpracticingknottyingandforuseinpioneeringwork.

Nylon.Modernnylonropeismorethantwiceasstrongasmanilaropeofthesamediameter.Itisavailableinbraidedformandtwistedstrands.Nylonropehasmorestretchthanothersyntheticornatural-fiberropes,butitrecoversitsoriginalshapeaftertensionfromaloadhasbeenreleased.Nylonropeaquarter-inchindiameterworkswellforpracticingknottyingandmakinglashings.

Binder twine is made from loosely twisted fibers of sisal or jute that have been treated with chemicals dur-ing the manufacturing process. Its principal use is for tying bales of hay as they are formed in the field by baling machines.

The single-strand construction of binder twine gives it none of the strength that comes from twisting strands together to form the lay of a rope. Binder twine has a breaking strength of only a hundred pounds or less. It should never be used for pioneering projects except when lashing together camp gadgets that will bear little weight (such as a stand for a washbasin), and for making rope (see the “Making Rope” section later in this pamphlet).

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20 PIONEERING

rope.

Parachute cord. Acoreofnylonstrandscoveredwithabraidednylonsheath,thiscordtakesitsnamefromtheroleitplayswithparachuterigging.Ithasathousandusesaroundcamp,fromtentguylinestotyinggearontopackstohoistingfoodbagsintotreesasbearhangs.However,forpioneeringprojects,parachutecordcanbeusedonlyforsmallprojects(camptable,rackfordryingclothes).Therelativelylowbreakingstrengthofparachutecord(generally200to500pounds)meansitshouldneverbeusedforfull-sizedtow-ers,bridges,orotherweight-bearingpioneeringprojects.

Polypropylene.Polypropyleneropewillfloat,makingitagoodropeforwaterfrontactivitiesandinwetconditions.Polypropyleneropehandleswell,butitsslipperyfinishmakesitunreliableforholdingknotsorformingsecurelashings,especiallywhentheropeisnew.Whilepolypropylenehasabouttwicethestrengthofmanilaropeofequaldiameter,italsostretchesmore.Thisropecanbeusedinpioneeringprojectsasalineforpullingtowersintoposition,asguyropesanchoringstructuresinplace,andashandlinesformonkeybridges.Itsstrengthmakesitsuitableforanchoringsystemsandforanyusesinvolvingheavystrain.Itsslipperysurfacereducesthefrictionofropetacklesystems.

Polyethylene.Polyethyleneisaninexpensivebraidedrope.Knotsandlashingswillleavekinksinpolyethyleneropethathasbeenundertension,whichmakesitunsuitableformostpioneeringprojects.Polyethylene(alsoknownasDacron®)doesfloat,givingitlimiteduseatwaterfronts,forexampleastowropesforwater-skiers.

Kernmantle. Today,theonlyropeapprovedforBSAclimbingandrappellingactivitiesisnylonkernmantlerope.Thisstrongropehasacoreofparallelorbraidednylonstrands(thekern)surroundedbyawovennylonsheath(themantle).

Rope that will be

used for climbing

and rappelling—

set aside at a

Scout camp

climbing program

area or a Project

COPE course, for

example—must

never be used

for pioneering

projects.

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PIONEERING 21

.rope

Breaking Strength and Safe Working LoadsNew rope will have breaking strength and safe working load information printed on its packaging or included with the rope as a tag or pamphlet. The breaking strength of a rope indicates how many pounds of strain it will take before failing. The working load strength of a rope, usually less than 20 percent of its breaking strength, indicates the load the manufacturer recommends should not be exceeded.

A typical comparison of safe working loads and breaking strengths for new ropes of various kinds— in this case, ropes of 3⁄8-inch diameter—looks like this.

A rope’s safe

working load will

diminish as it is

used. Tension

placed on the

rope, exposure to

the elements, and

the effects of

knots, lashings,

and drop loading

(using a rope to

suddenly stop a

moving weight)

can all reduce

rope strength.

3⁄8-Inch RopeApproximate Safe

Working Load*Approximate

Breaking Strength

Manila 122 pounds 1,220 pounds

Sisal 108 pounds 1,080 pounds

Cotton 90 pounds 900 pounds

Coir 65 pounds 337 pounds

Polyester 334 pounds 3,340 pounds

Nylon 278 pounds 3,340 pounds

Polypropylene 340 pounds 2,440 pounds

Polyethylene 410 pounds 3,725 pounds

* For exact load limits of a particular rope, see the manufacturer’s information printed on spools or packages of new rope.

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22 PIONEERING

rope.

Care of RopeInspectthefulllengthofaropebeforeandafterapioneeringeventtoensuretherearenocutsorabrasions.Anyropethathascuts,abrasions,ormorethanafewbrokenfibersmightneedtoberetired.Thesameistrueifropefibershavelosttheirlusterandappeardryandbrittle.Feelforlumpsinbraidedropeandlookforinternalfiberpuffingthroughtheweaveofthebraid.Asectionoflinethatseemsthinnerthantherestoftheropecanbeanothersignofaweakspot.

Twistopenthelayofanatural-fiberropeinseveralplacesandinspecttheinteriorfibers.Light-coloredfiberssuggesttheropeprobablyisingoodshape.Aropewithadarkorspottedinterior,orthatsmellsbad,mightnotbesafetouse.

Prolongarope’susefullifebytakingcareofit.Thefollow-ingguidelineswillhelpyoupreventropefrombeingdamaged.

• Alwaysstepoverarope,neveronit.Avoiddraggingitalongthegroundwheregritmightgetintothefibers.

• Protectropefromabrasionbyusinglayersofcanvasortarptoshielditfromsharpedgessuchasacliff.

• Protectropefromheat,chemi-cals,petroleumproducts,andprolongedexposuretosunlight.

• Keeparopeundertensiononlyaslongasisnecessary.

• Allowwetropetoair-drycompletelybeforeputtingitintostorage.

Storing RopeStoreropetherightwayanditwillbereadythenexttimeyouneedit.Startbymakingsuretheropeiscleananddry.Coilandhangpiecesofcordandshortlengthsofropeonpegs,orstowthemincleanclothbags.Forlongropesorropesoflargediam-eter,eithercoiltheropeandhangthecoilonasmoothroundpeginagearroom,orlooselystufftheropeintoacleancanvasdufflebag.

Damaged—and therefore unusable—rope

Construct

pioneering projects

only with rope that

is safe to use.

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.rope

COILING A ROPE FOR STORAGE OR THROWINGRopescanbecoiledforstorageorinpreparationforthrowingoneendacrossastreamoroveratreebranch.Begineverycoilbyremovinganyknotsandhardwarefromtherope.

Coiling a thick rope for storage. Startingabout10feetinfromoneend,drapelengthsoftheropeoverthebackofyournecksotheloopshangdownbelowyourwaist.Whenyouareabout10feetfromtheotherend,removetheloopsfromyourneck,graspthetwoendsoftherope,andwrapthemseveraltimesaroundthecoil.Threadabendoftheremainingropelengthsthroughthecoil,thenpasstheendsthroughthebendandpullitsnug.

Coiling a thin rope or a cord for storage. Lengthsofcordandropesofsmalldiametercanbecoiledbylayingloopsofequalsizeinonehand.Whenonlyafewfeetofropeorcordareleft,useyourotherhandtowraptheremainderaroundthecoilfourorfivetimes.Finishbypassingabendofthecordorropethroughthecoil,thenruntheendofthelinethroughthebendandpulltheendtosnugthebendagainstthecoil.

Drying RopeRope must be dry before it is stored. Damp or wet rope may develop mildew and rot. If a rope has become muddy and wet, rinse it off with a hose. Loosely coil the rope, hang it outdoors, and allow it to dry completely. Hasten drying by leaving space between the coils.

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24 PIONEERING

rope.

Coiling a rope for throwing.Tossingaropeoveratreelimborthrowingalineacrossacreekisachal-lengingandfunskill.Itcanbeimportantforsettingupabearhangtoprotectfoodincamp,forbeginningamonkeybridge,forriggingaguylineonasignaltower,andformanyotheruses.

Secureoneendoftheropesoitdoesn’ttakeoffwhenyouthrowthecoil.Haveapartnerhangontoit,ortieitaroundatree.

Iftheendoftheropeisweighted,neatlycoiltheropeinyournon-throwinghand.Placethecoilsnexttooneanothersothatwhentheropeisthrown,thecoilsrunoutsmoothlywithouttangling.Throwtheweightedsockorstuffsackeitherunderhandedoroverhandedtowardthetarget.

Ifthereisnoweightontherope,coilitneatlyandholditinyourthrowinghand.Swingthecoilinanunderhandmotion,releasingalltheropeatonceandallowingittouncoilasitmovestowardthetarget.

Never tie the rope

to your wrist or

around your waist.

You may need to

get rid of your

end of the rope

without becoming

entangled in it.

Throwing a parachute cord or a rope with a diame-ter less than a quarter-inch might require adding a weight to one end. A sock or small stuff sack filled with sand works well. Attach it to the line with a clove hitch.

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PIONEERING 25

.rope

Fusing Rope EndsPartofcaringforropeincludespreventingtheendsfromunraveling.Forsyntheticrope,thatmeansfusingthem.Fornatural-fiberrope,thatmeanswhippingtheends.Theendsofthree-strandropesalsocanbeprotectedwithbacksplices.

Ropeandcordmadeofsyntheticmaterialswillmeltunderhighheat.Anelectricbladecutter,oftenfoundinstoresthatsellrope,isthesafestmeansofneatlyfusingropeends.Youcanalsouseamatch,butanelighter,orcandletofusearope.Workinginawell-ventilatedarea,meltandfusethestrandsbyholdingeachropeendafewinchesabovetheopenflame.

Whipping Rope EndsBecausenaturalfibersburnratherthanmelt,theendsofmanila,sisal,cotton,orothernatural-fiberropesareprotectedbywhipping.Whippingkeepsropeendsfromfrayingorunrav-elingbytightlybindingthemwithstrongcord.Amongthestylesofwhippingarebasic,WestCountry,andthesailmaker’s.

Basic whipping. EveryTenderfootScoutknowshowtomakeabasicwhippingtoprotecttheendofaropefromunraveling.First,cutoffanyoftheropethathasalreadyunraveled.

Step 1—Usingapieceofstrongcordatleast2feetlong,formaloop.Laytheloopnearoneendoftherope.

Step 2—Tightlywrap,orwhip,thecordaroundtherope.

Step 3—Whenthewhippingisatleastaswideastheropeisthick,sliptheendthroughtheloopandpullhardonthefreeendstotightenthecord.Trimexcesscord,thenwhiptherope’sotherend.

For instructions

on making a

back splice,

see “Splicing

Rope” later in

this pamphlet.

Melted rope will be hot and sticky. Don’t touch the end until it has cooled.

2 31

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26 PIONEERING

rope.

West Country whipping. Famousforseafaringtraditions,thecountieswestofBristol,England,lendthenameWestCountrytoaformofwhippingthatworkswellonanytypeofrope.ThesuccessofWestCountrywhippingdependsonthetightnessandneatnessoftheknotsformedwiththewhippingcord.TomaketheWestCountrywhipping,startwithabout14inchesofwaxedflaxcord.

Step 1—Bringthecordaroundtheropenearoneendandsecurethecordwithanoverhandknot.

Step 2—Takethetwoendsofthewhippingcordaroundtothebackoftherope(awayfromyou),andtieanotherover-handknot.

Step 3—Continuetotieoverhandknots,alternatingthembetweenthefrontandbackoftherope,untilthewhippinghasbeenformed.Asarule,makethewhippingatleastaslongasthediameteroftherope.

Alwaystieeachoverhandknotthesameway(forexample,rightoverleft,orleftoverright)sothattheknotslietightlytogethertoformasmoothwhipping.Finishthewhippingwithasquareknotandtrimtheexcesscord.

2 31

The best cord to

use for whipping

is waxed flax

cord that can be

purchased at

leathercraft

stores and shoe

repair shops.

Ropes securing a ship’s sails snapping in the wind can quickly fray if the ends have not been protected. The sailmakers of old knew that spending a little extra effort whipping rope ends would make their work much eas-ier in the long run.

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PIONEERING 27

.rope

Sailmaker’s whipping. Thesailmaker’swhippingcanbeusedonthree-strandrope.Itdiffersfrombasicwhippinginthatthecordissecuredaroundoneoftheropestrandsbeforethewhip-pingbegins.Thatwillhelpkeepthewhippingfromcomingoffeveniftheropeisheavilyused.Hereishowtomakethesailmaker’swhipping.

Step 1—Unlaythethreestrandsforabout1inchfromtheendoftherope.Formabightneartheendofa16-inchlengthofcordandslipitoveroneropestrand,allowingseveralinchesofthebighttoremain.Laytherunningendsofthecordbetweentheothertwostrandsoftherope.

Step 2—Twistthestrandsoftheropebacktogether.Usingthelongerendofthecord,makewrapsaroundtherope.Keepthewrapstightagainsteachother.

Step 3—Aftercompletingthewraps,loopthebightovertheendofthesamestrandaroundwhichitbegan.Runthelongerendofthecordthroughthebight,thenpullthetwoendsofthecordtotightenthebightagainstthewhipping.Finishbytyingtheendsofthecordwithasquareknotandtrimmingtheexcesscord.

Fuse the ends

of three-strand

synthetic rope

before whipping.

2 31

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28 PIONEERING

Knots.

KnotsMostknotsusedtodayhavebeenaroundforcenturies.Theyhaveenduredbecausethewaythey’reformed—theirarchitecture—hasproventobeidealforcertainuses.

Knots and Rope StrengthTyingknotsinaropecausesbendsandloopsthatplaceunevenstrainonthefibers.Thatcanreducethestrengthoftheropeanddecreaseitsbreakingstrength.Also,theeffectsthatknotsandspliceshaveonaropevaryaccordingtotheconditionoftheropeandthenatureoftheknotorsplice.Forinstance,knotssuchasthesquareknotthatcreatetightbendsweakenaropemorethanknotswithwidebendssuchasthetimberhitchandbowline.

Thislistshowstheapproximatepercentageofstrengthleftinaropetiedorsplicedincertainways.

Three tests of

a good knot:

• It is easy to tie.

• It stays tied.

• It is easy

to untie.

Full strength of dry rope 100 percent

Eye splice 90 percent

Short splice 80 percent

Timber hitch, roundturn, half hitch 65 percent

Bowline, slip knot, clove hitch 60 percent

Square knot, sheet bend 50 percent

Overhand knot 45 percent

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PIONEERING 29

.Knots

The Language of KnotsAlittleterminologycanhelpyoulearnhowtotieknotsandunderstandtheiradvantages.

running end.Theendoftheropethatisusedtotieaknot.Thisendisalsocalledtheworking end.

standing part.Allofaropethatisnottherunningend.

overhand loop.Formedwhenaloopismadesothattherunningendoftheropeisontopofthestandingpart.

underhand loop.Formedwhentherunningendoftheropeisplacedunderthestandingpartoftherope.

bight.FormedbydoublingbackalengthoftheropeagainstitselftoformaU.Therunningendoftheropedoesnotcrossthestandingpart.(Ifthathappens,theshapeitformsisaloop,notabight.)

turn.Totake a turn,wraptheropeoncearoundasparorastake.Thefrictioncreatedbytheturncanhelpyoucontrolalinethathastensiononit,especiallyifyouarelettingoutlineortakingitin.

roundturn.Makearoundturnbywrappingtheropeoncearoundasparorstakeandthenhalfwayaroundagainsothattherunningendoftheropeisgoingbacktowardthestandingpart.Aroundturncreatesadditionalfrictionforcontrollingalineunderstrain.

hitch.Aknotthatsecuresaropetoasparorotherstationaryobject.

dress a knot.Toadjustanewknotsothateverythingisinitsplace.Dressingaknotensuresthattheknotwillperformasexpected.

Overhand loop

Underhand loop

Roundturn

Turn

Bight

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30 PIONEERING

Knots.

Basic KnotsTheknotslistedhereareimportantbasicknotsforuseinpioneeringandotherScoutingactivities.Thesearetheknotsimportanttorankadvancement.AScoutearningthePioneeringmeritbadgeshouldbeabletotieeachoftheseknotsquicklyandwell.

Thesquare knotisusedtotietogetherthe endsoftwolinesofthesamediam-eter.Itisnotareliableknotwhenusedwithlargerropes,butisidealwhentyingapackagewithcordorforfinishingsomelash-ingsandwhippings.

Thebowlinemakesafixedloopthatwillnotslip.Itiseasytountie.

Theclove hitchcanbetiedwiththeendoftheropeortiedalongthestandingpartoftheropeandslippedoveraspar.Itisusedtostartseverallashings.

Thesheet bendisusedfortyingtheendsofdifferent-sizedropestogether.Thebendofthesheetbendisformedinthelargerofthetworopes.

Thetimber hitchisusedfordraggingalogandforstartingadiagonallashing.Astensionisputontherope,thetimberhitchgetstighterbutisalwayseasytountie.

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PIONEERING 31

.Knots

Other Useful Pioneering KnotsForpioneeringprojects,youwillneedtoaddtheseadditionalknotstoyourrepertoire.

Roundturn With Two Half Hitches.Usetheroundturnwithtwohalfhitchestosecuretheendsoffootropesandhandropesforamonkeybridge,andtotieoffguylines.Ifdesired,youcansecuretherunningendswithsafetyknots.Thisknotisespeciallyusefulbecauseitissecureandiseasytotieanduntiewhenadjustmentsareneeded.Tomakearoundturn,taketherunningendoftheropearoundaspar.Thatwillallowyoutoholdtensiononalinewhileyoucompletethetwohalfhitches.

Safety KnotA safety knot (also known as a stopper knot), added to a knot such as the roundturn with two half hitches and the figure eight follow-through, will help keep the free end of the rope from working itself loose. The most effective safety knot goes by several names—barrel knot, one-sided grapevine knot, and half a double fish-erman’s knot. Form it by loosely looping the tail of the rope twice around the standing part, then running the end up through the two loops thus formed. (This is exactly the same method you use to tie the first portion of the double fisherman’s knot, described later in this chapter.) Work out any slack from the safety knot so that it lies snug against the knot it is protecting.

Start by making a roundturn over a spar.

Next, make a half hitch around the standing part of the rope. Then make another half hitch.

When both half hitches are made, pull them tight.

SAfety KNot

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32 PIONEERING

Knots.

Sheepshank.Usethesheepshanktotemporarilyshortenarope’slengthortobypassaweakspotintherope.Tobegin,takeuptheslacktoshortentheline.Thisformstwolongbightsnexttoeachother(1).Secureonebightbyforminganoverhandloopinthestandingpartoftheropeaheadofthebightandslipitovertheendofthebight(2).Formanotheroverhandloopaheadofthesecondbightanduseittoholdthatbightinplace(3).

More Pioneering KnotsThefollowingknotsareusefulinmanypioneeringprojects.Althoughyoudonotneedtoknowhowtotiethemalltomeettherequirementsforthismeritbadge,itisagoodideatobecomefamiliarwitheachofthem.Knowingtheseknotswillenhanceyourskill,increaseyourknowledge,andprovideplentyofenjoymentandsatisfaction.

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PIONEERING 33

.Knots

Figure Eight on a Bight.Formingabight(abend)inaropeandthentyingafigure-eightknotwithitresultsinaloopthatwillnotsliporcomeloose.Whenthisknotistiedintheendofarope,backitupwithasafetyknot.

Figure Eight Follow-Through.Thisisthesameknotasthefigureeightonabight,exceptwhenitismade,itcanbetiedaroundatreeorstakeorthroughananchorring.Beginbytyingasimplefigure-eightknotinarope.Runtheendoftheropearoundananchororthroughtheringtowhichyouwanttoattachit(1).Thentracetheendoftheropebackthroughthefig-ure-eightknot(the“followthrough”)(2).Backitupwithasafetyknot(3).

Double Sheet Bend.Thedoublesheetbendhasmoreholdingpowerthanasimplesheetbend.Itcomesinhandywhentyingtogethertworopesthatvarywidelyindiame-ter.Italsoworkswellfortyingtogetherwetorslipperyropes.Tieitasyouwouldaregularsheetbend,butmaketwoormoreturnsaroundthebight.

2

3

1

Form a bight in the larger rope. Then wrap the smaller rope around the bight at least twice. Use more wraps if needed to hold it tight.

To finish off the knot, tuck the running end under the standing part of the small rope.

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34 PIONEERING

Knots.

Rolling Hitch.Therollinghitchhasmanyuses,suchastyingaropetoastakeoraspar,orformingahandorshoulderlooptopullaspar.Essentiallyitisaclovehitchtiedaroundasparwithanextraturn.Pullcanbeexertedonarollinghitcheitherperpendiculartoorparallelwiththespar.Itwilluntieeasily.Whenyouneedextragrippingpower,makeadditionalturnsasyoutiethehitch.

Butterfly Knot.Thisknotcreatesafixedloopanywherealongthestandingpartofarope.Thebutterflyissecure,easytountie,andcanwithstandtensionfromanydirection.Whenusingaropetopullaheavyobject(suchasalog),tieaseriesofbutterflyknotstoformloopsforeachperson’shandorshoulder.Whenclimbingarope,tieaseriesoftheknotstoformloopsforyourhandsandfeet.Thisknotalsoisusedwhenformingatrucker’shitch.(Seethe“RopeTackle”sectionlaterinthispamphlet.)

Start the rolling hitch by making a roundturn around a spar.

Cross the running end over and make a round turn. Then tuck the end under the turn.

Strain can be applied either parallel or perpen-dicular to the spar to tighten the hitch.

To form shoulder or hand loops for pulling a spar, tie two rolling hitches, one at each end of a short length of rope.

To tie up horses or

anchor canoes on

shore, tie a series

of the butterfly

knot in a picket

line, one for each

horse or canoe.

Start a butterfly knot with an overhand loop. Then twist the rope to form a second overhand loop. Drop the upper loop down in back.

When the upper loop is dropped down, pull it under the two crossed standing parts of the rope. Then pull it up through the top loops to complete the knot.

To pull the butterfly knot tight, pull the upper loop while holding the standing parts of the rope at the bottom.

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PIONEERING 35

.Knots

Carrick Bend.Usethisknotfortyingtogethertwolarge-diameterropes,especiallyiftherewillbeaheavystrainontherope.Theknotwilltightenunderstrainbutwon’tslipandisusuallyeasytountie.Itworkswellwithwetorslipperyropes.Thecarrickbendlookssymmetricalasitisbeingtied,butpullingittightgreatlychangesitsappearance.

Water Knot.Usethisknottotietogethertheendsofapieceofrope(suchasaflagpolerope)ornylonwebbingtomakeaslingforusingwithanchoringsystems.Thewaterknotwon’tsliponceithasbeentightenedandisalmostimpossibletountie—agoodthingwhenusedwithanchorslings.Backupthewaterknotwithsafetyknots.

Start a carrick bend by making an overhand loop at the end of one rope.

Bring the end of the other rope under the overhand loop. Then complete the knot as shown, weaving over and under as you go.

The carrick bend looks symmetrical when first tied and still loose. But pulled tight, it looks quite different.

The term carrick comes from an old word, carrack, the name given to certain ships of the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries.

To tie a water knot, begin with a loose overhand knot in one end of the rope or webbing, leaving at least a 6-inch tail.

With the other end of the rope or webbing, trace the first end all the way back through the overhand knot, again leaving at least a 6-inch tail. Straighten the knot (dress it), then pull it as tight as possible. Tie safety knots with the remaining tails.

2 31

21

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36 PIONEERING

Knots.

Pipe Hitch.Apipehitchcreatesenoughfrictiontokeeparopefromslippingandgivesconsider-ablegripasyoupullonapipeorspar,orpullastakeorpostoutoftheground.Tiethepipehitchwithfour,five,orsixturns;addmoreturnstogetthefrictionyouneed.Drawtheturnssnugasyoumakethemsothatyougetthefulleffectoftheirfriction.

Double Fisherman’s Knot (Grapevine Knot).Fortyingtogethertheendsoftworopesofequaldiameter(especiallyropesmadeofsyntheticmaterialsthattendtoslipeasily),thisisthemostreliableknot.Italsocanbeusedtosecuretheendsofaropeorcordtoformafixedloop(grommet),whichisparticularlyusefulwithbraidedropethatcannotbespliced.

To make a pipe hitch, form a bight in the rope and wrap it around the spar. Use at least four wraps, more for more gripping power. Finish the knot by pulling the standing end of the rope through the bight.

1

Begin the double fisherman’s knot by laying about 2 feet of the ends of two ropes alongside each other, ends opposite. Loosely loop one rope end twice around the other, then thread the end of that rope through the loops. Repeat the process with the second rope end. Carefully tighten the two parts of the knot, then slide them against each other. If they don’t fit together neatly, the knot is incorrectly tied.

2

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PIONEERING 37

Bowline on a Bight.Thebowlineonabightcreatestwoloopsanywherealongaropethatyoucanslipoveroneormorestakes.Itcanprovidehandandshoulderloopsforheavypulls,andformloopsfortyinginotherlines.Makeabightlongenoughsothatthetwoloopsformedarethesizesyouneed.Adjustthelooplengthsbeforetightening.

Honda.Thehondaknotformsafixedloopintheendofaropetoputoverastakeorspar.Itmayalsoformarunningloopwhenyouwanttheknottotightenasyoupull.Theknotcon-sistsoftwooverhandknotssnuggedtightlytogethertoformafixedloopwithadiameterofabout3inches.Thestandingpartoftherope,passedthroughthefixedloop,formsthelargerun-ningloopthatwillbethrownatatarget.Tensionontheropecanmakethehondaalmostimpossibletountie.

Used by cowboys, the honda forms the loop in a lariat for roping cattle and horses.

To form a bowline on a bight, first form an over-hand loop with a long bight in the rope. Make the bight large enough for the two loops you need.

Bring the bight up through the overhand loop.

Slip the bight over the bowline loops and up to the standing part of the rope.

To begin the honda, tie an overhand knot about 12 inches from the run-ning end of the rope, and pass the running end up through the overhand knot from the back.

Tie another overhand knot in the running end. Pull the two overhand knots tight to form the fixed honda loop.

To form a running loop that will tighten as you pull, bring the standing part of the rope through the honda loop.

231

2 31

The completed bowline on a bight has two loops that can be adjusted in size before pulling it up tight.

4

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38 PIONEERING

Knots.

Masthead (Jury) Knot.Usethisknotwhenerectingaverticalsparthatmustbeheldinpositionwithguylines,orwhenattachingguylinesatthetopofapole.Themastheadorjuryknotprovidesfourloopsforthefourguylines.Itshouldbetiedwitharopethathasalargerdiameterthantheguylinessecuredtoit.Theknotitselfcreatesonlythreeloops.Youformthefourthloopbytyingthetworunningendstogetherwithasquareknot.Besuretosecuretheendsofthesquareknotwithsafetyknots.

Learning the RopesIn the days of large sailing ships, a thorough knowledge of handling ropes was important to the safety and success of a voyage. Sailors who had mastered the skills of using knots, splices, ropes, and rigging systems were said to have learned the ropes.

Start the masthead knot by making three overhand loops, laying the second under the first, and the third under the second.

Hold the top of loop B in place while pulling loops A and C over and under as the arrows show.

Add a fourth loop to the finished knot by tying the running ends with a square knot. Secure the ends with safety knots.

The masthead knot does not cinch tightly around the spar. It must be supported with cleats attached to the spar to prevent it from sliding down.

AB

C

CleAt

2 31

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PIONEERING 39

.Knots

Prusik Knot.Usethisknottomakehandandfootloopsforclimbinganotherropeorverticalspar,ortomakehandandshoulderloopsasanaidtohaulingalog.APrusikprovidesgripandalooptotieintoanotherlinewithasheetbend.Itmayalsoserveasasafetybrakeagainstback-slippingonaload-liftingline.ThePrusik’smultipleturnsprovidefrictionandcreateabendinthestandingpartofthelargerrope,allowingtheknottoholdwhenitbearsweight,buttoslideonthelargerropewhentheweightisreleased.

Barrel Hitch.Abarrelturnedonitssidecanbesecuredwitharopeslingforhoisting.Ifabarrelmustremainuprightwhilebeinglifted,usethebarrelhitch.Addingasecondloopwillhelpstabilizethebarrelandkeepitupright.

To tie a Prusik, first make a grommet (fixed loop).

Wrap the grommet around the spar or large rope, mak-ing two complete wraps.

The Prusik can be used on a heavy rope to form a foot- or handhold.

To begin the barrel hitch, stand the barrel centered on the rope and tie an overhand knot at the top of the barrel.

Spread the two sides of the knot down over the sides of the barrel. If a single rope is used for tying and hoisting (as shown here), the running end of the rope is tied into the standing part using a bowline.

A second overhand knot may be used if needed, and slipped down over the barrel. If a separate rope is used to tie the barrel hitch (as shown here), tie the ends with a square knot and slip it over a hook.

The Prusik is widely used by mountain climbers to attach a loop (sling) made from a smaller rope to a larger rope to form a hand- or foothold.

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Splicing rope.

SplicingRopeSplicingisameansofweavingthestrandsofanynatural-fiberorsyntheticthree-strandropetoprotectaropeendfromunrav-eling,toformasecureloopinaropeend,ortojointogethertworopeends.Thoughsplicescantakelongertoformthanknots,theyhaveseveraladvantages.Theyarepermanent,reliable,andlessbulkythanknots,andtheyreducearope’sstrengthmuchlessthanknotsthatservethesamepurpose.

Splicingtakespractice.Itiseasiesttolearnifyoucansitdownwithsomeonewhocanhelpyoumastereachstepofweavingthestrandstogether.Three-strandmanilaropewitha1⁄4-inchdiameterworkswellforlearningtosplice.

Each of the three

splices (back,

eye, short) begins

in a special way.

Once a splice has

been started, the

rest of the process

is identical for

all three.

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PIONEERING 41

.Splicing rope

Back SpliceThebacksplicepermanentlypreventstheendofaropefromunraveling.Becausesplicingincreasesthediameterofaropeendmorethanwhippingdoes,tyingknotsinback-splicedropecanbemoreawkwardthanwhenusingropeprotectedwithwhipping.

Step 1—Unlayropestrandsaboutfivetwists.BendstrandAbackbetweenstrandsBandCandholditagainstthestandingpartoftherope.AllowthebendinstrandAtoextendupwardaboutaninch.

Step 2—WrapstrandBaroundthebaseoftheloopformedbystrandA.

Step 3—BringstrandCthroughtheloopformedbystrandA.

Step 4—Tightenthestrands,gentlytuggingonthemtosnugthemneatlyagainstoneanother.Doingsomakesthecrown knotsymmetrical,withallthreestrandsidenticallypositioned.

Step 5—Passonestrandoverthestranddirectlybelowitandthentuckitunderthestrandalongsidethatone.(Youwillneedtotwistopenthelayoftheropetomakethetuck.)

Step 6—Continuebypassingeachstrandinturnoverthestranddirectlybelowit,thentuckingitunderthestrandalongsidethatone.Repeatthisprocesstwomoretimes,goinginorderwiththestrands.

Aftermakingthreetuckswithallthestrands,cutawayhalfthefibersofeachstrand.Makeafourthtuckwiththereducedstrandstotaperthesplice.Trimtheremainingfibers.

1

2

3

5

A

B

C

A

B

C

A

BC

A

C

6

B

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42 PIONEERING

Splicing rope.

Eye SpliceTheeyesplicecreatesafixedloopattheendoftherope.Usethissplicetomakeafixedloopintheendofaguylineortosplicearopeintothegrommetofatentordiningfly,ortospliceeyesintotheendsofaropetobeusedasananchorsling.

Step 1—Useasquareknottotieapieceofwhippingcordaroundtheropeabout6inchesfromtheend.UnlaystrandsA,B,andCbacktothecordandspreadthemapart.Bendtheropetoformaneyeofthesizeyouwant.

Step 2—TwistopenthelayoftheropeandtuckcenterstrandBunderastrandonthestandingpartoftherope.

Step 3—PassstrandAoverthatstrand,thentuckstrandAunderthestrandbesideit.

Use the eye splice

to splice a rope

into an eyebolt

at the bow of a

canoe, or to splice

the throwing line

into a ring buoy

at the waterfront.

1 2 3

A

BC

A

B

C

12

A BC

1

2

3

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PIONEERING 43

.Splicing rope

Step 4—Turntheeyeover.

Step 5—FindthestrandnexttotheonewithstrandAtuckedunderit.TwistopenthelayoftheropeandtucktheendofstrandCbeneaththatstrand.Atthispoint,theeyewillbeformedandthethreestrandendswillbesymmetrical.

Step 6—Completethespliceasyouwouldabacksplice:

• PassstrandAoverthestranddirectlybelowitandthentuckitunderthestrandalongsidethatone.

• PassstrandBoverthestranddirectlybelowit,thentuckitunderthestrandalongsidethatone.

• DothesamewithstrandC,goingoverthestranddirectlybelowitandthenunderthenextone.

• Repeattheprocesstwicemore,goinginorderwithstrandsA,B,andthenC.

• Forataperedfinish,reducethediameterofthestrandsandmakeafourthtuck.

4 5 6

A

BC

3

ReveRSe view

ReveRSe view

A

B

3

CA

BC

12

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44 PIONEERING

Splicing rope.

Short SpliceAshortspliceisusedtojointworopeendstogether.Itcanbeusedtojoinseveralshorterropestoformalongerline,ortorejoinaropethathasbeencuttoremoveadamagedsection.Itmayalsobeusedtosplicetheendsofashortlengthofropetoformafixedloopthatcanbeusedasananchorsling(alsoknownasagrommetorastrop)foranchoringpioneeringprojects.

Step 1—Unlaythetworopeends5to6inches.Interlacethestrandsofoneropeendwiththoseoftheother.Usewhip-pingcordtosecurethestrandsinplaceatthepointwheretheymeet.

Step 2—PassstrandAoverthestranddirectlybelowitandthentuckitunderthestrandalongsidethatone.(Tomakethetuck,firsttwistopenthelayoftherope.)

Step 3—Rollthesplicetowardyou.PassstrandBoverthestranddirectlybelowit,thentuckitunderthestrandalongsidethatone.(StrandBwillbetuckedunderthestrandlyingnexttothestrandwithAtuckedunderit.)

1

2

3

A

B

C

1 2

3

1 2

B

C

A

3

1 2

B

A

C

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PIONEERING 45

.Splicing rope

Step 4—Againrollthesplicetowardyou.PassstrandCoverthestranddirectlybelowitandthenunderthenextone.(StrandCwillbetuckedunderthestrandlyingnexttothestrandwithBtuckedunderit.)

Step 5—Continuethespliceasyouwouldcompleteabackspliceoraneyesplice.

• PassstrandAoverthestranddirectlybelowitandthentuckitunderthestrandalongsidethatone.

• PassstrandBoverthestranddirectlybelowit,thentuckitunderthestrandalongsidethatone.

• DothesamewithstrandC,goingoverthestranddirectlybelowitandthenunderthenextone.

• Repeattheprocesstwicemore,goinginorderwithstrandsA,B,andthenC.

• Forataperedfinish,reducethediameterofthestrandsandmakeafourthtuck.

Step 6—Removethewhippingcordfromthesplice.Withtheremainingthreestrands,completethespliceontheothersidebyfollowingsteps2through5.

5

6

4

Three-strand

synthetic rope

can be spliced

the same way

as natural-fiber

rope. Since nylon,

polypropylene,

and other synthetic

ropes can be

slippery, add

extra security by

making at least

four full tucks

with each strand.

A

B

C

B

A

C3C

ReveRSe Side

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Making rope.

MakingRopeTobetterunderstandthestructureofrope,makeyourown.Thebasicprocessofmakingropeconsistsoftwistingfiberstoformstrands,thentwistingthestrandstogethertoformrope.Youcanuseeitheraropespinneroraropemaker.

Making a Rope SpinnerAthousandyearsago,AmericanIndianslivinginwhatisnowArizonausedarope spinnertomakeropefromthefibersofcactusplants.Usingbindertwineinsteadofcactusfibers,Scoutstodaycanmakeropethesameway.Tomakearopespinner,startwitha12-inchpieceof2-by-4-inchconstructionlumber.

You will need to use a coping saw to make your rope spinner. To make a cutout in a piece of wood, first bore a hole, 1⁄4 inch or larger, just inside the shape you want to cut out. Remove the blade of the coping saw, slip the blade through the bored hole, and replace the blade in the saw frame. With the blade thus “inside” the wood, saw along the cutting line. Use the coping saw only under direct supervision of a knowledgeable adult. For more information, see the Woodwork merit badge pamphlet.

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PIONEERING 47

.Making rope

Step 1—Drawtheoutlineofthespinneronthefaceofthewood,thencutitoutusingacopingsaw.

Step 2—Drilla7⁄16-inch-diameterhole,positioningit2inchesfromthetopofthespinner.Theholewillbefittedwiththehandle.

Step 3—Foraspinnerhandle,useawoodendowel3⁄8inchindiameterandabout10incheslong.Makeastopblockforthehandlefromapieceofwoodabout3⁄4inchsquare.Drilla3⁄8-inch-diameterholethroughthecenteroftheblock,andgluethedowelendintothehole.

Step 4—Assembletheropespinnerbyslippingthehandleintotheholeinthespinner.

The sides of

the spinner are

tapered to produce

a shape with more

weight at the

bottom to aid in

spinning. The

knob at the top

is shaped to

hold twine and

strands in place.

Stop BloCK Side view

3⁄8" dowel HANdle

1⁄2"

11⁄2"

2"

12"

7⁄16" Hole

3⁄4"

1"

21⁄2"

Stop BloCK

Side view fRoNt view

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48 PIONEERING

Making rope.

Using the rope spinner.Tosetuptheropespinner,tieoneendofa60-footlengthofbindertwinetotheneckofthespinner.Extendthetwinetoapersonstanding20feetawayholdingasturdystick.Loopthebindertwineoverthestickandthenrunitbackaroundtheheadofthespinner.Runtheremainingtwineouttotheotherpersonandtieittothestick.Youwillhavethreeequallengthsofbindertwinestretchedbetweentheropespinnerandthestick.

Spinning a strand. Holdingthehandle,twirlthespinnerclockwise,twistingthethreelengthsofbindertwineintoasinglestrand.Alittlepracticewilltellyouhowtightlytospinthestrand.

Spinning a rope. Followthesestepstospinyourrope.

Step 1—Leavethenewlytwistedstrandstretchedbetweenthespinnerandthestick.Asthepersonholdingthestickmovesforward,loopthestrandoverthestickandloopitaroundtheneckofthespinnersothatyouhavethreelengthsofthestrand,eachabout7feetlong,stretchedbetweenthespinnerandthestick.

Step 2—Nowtwirlthespinnercounterclockwise,twistingthethreestrandstogethertoformarope.

Step 3—Temporarilysecureeachendofthenewropebytyingapieceoftwinearoundit.Removetheropefromthestickandthespinner.Whipeachendtopreventunraveling,andyouwillbetheproudownerofaropeyoumadeyourself.

20'

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PIONEERING 49

.Making rope

Making a RopemakerFarmersahundredyearsagousedbindertwinewiththeirhaybalers.Withalittleingenuity,thosefarmersdevisedhand-crankedmachinestotwistthetwineintorope.Thepiecesfortheropemakerarecutfromtwopiecesof3⁄4-inch-thickplywoodabout4incheswide,oneabout20incheslongandanotherabout15incheslong.

Step 1—CutpieceA,thehandle,toshape.(Donotdrilltheholesyet.)

Step 2—CutpiecesBandC.Glueandscrewthemtogethertoformthebase.

Step 3—CutpieceD,theseparatorpaddle,tothesameshapeasthehandle.(Donotcutoutthenotchesyet.)

Step 4—Markholesinthehandle.Firstdrawa31⁄2-inch-diametercircle(13⁄4-inchradius)onthehandle.Thecenterofthiscircleshouldbe2inchesfromtheendofthehandle.Theedgeofthecirclewillbe1⁄4inchfromeachofthreeedgesofthehandle.Then,usingaprotractor,markthepositionsofthethreeholesfortheturninghooks.Marktheholesonthecircleat60-degreeintervals—the3o’clock,7o’clock,and11o’clockpositions.

4

10" 10"

4"

4" 4" 6" 6"

4"

5" 10"

A D

E

B C

A1

BC

4"

4"

5"

10" 2

7 o’CloCK 3 o’CloCK

11 o’CloCK

13 ⁄4"

2" A

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50 PIONEERING

Making rope.

Step 5—Drilltheholes.Clampthehandleandthebaseunittogether,asshown.Usinga1⁄8-inchbit,drillthethreeholesthroughbothpiecesofwood.

Step 6—Makethehooks.Cutthreepiecesofcoat-hangerwireabout8incheslong.UseplierstomaketwobendsineachwiretoformanL-shapedend.Eachbendshouldbeabout11⁄2inchesinlength.

Step 7—Insertthethreewiresthroughtheholesintheuprightpieceofthebase,thenbendthestraightendofeachwireintoahook.

Step 8—Notchtheseparatorpaddle.Theseparatorpaddlewillbeusedtokeepthestrandsseparatedastheyarebeing

twistedintorope.Topositionthenotches,placethehandle(A)directlyontopofthepaddle(D).Pushanailthroughtheholesinthehandleandpressdownonthenailtomarkthepositionsonthepaddle.Removethenail.Sketchtheshapeofnotchesthatwilltouchthenailmarksonthepaddle.Usingacopingsaw,cutoutthenotches.

BASe UNit

HANdle

10"

1⁄8" Hole

5"

4"

4"

4"

4"

BC

A

5

HooK

BASe UNit

B

C

11⁄2"

11⁄2"

7

HANdle

A

BASe UNit

B

SepARAtoR pAddle

HooK

C

D

E

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PIONEERING 51

.Making rope

Step 9—Maketheendhook.Screwa3-inch-longscrewhookintothecenterofapieceofwood.(Youcanuseapieceofscrapwoodleftoverfrommakingthehandle.)

Using the ropemaker.Followthesestepstouseyourropemaker.

Step 1—Clampthebaseunitoftheropemakertoatableorabench.Tieoneendofa60-footlengthofbindertwinetooneoftheturninghooks.

Step 2—AskanotherScouttoholdtheendhookabout6feetinfrontofthebaseunit.Runthebindertwinearoundtheendhook,backtothefirstturninghook,andthenbacktotheendhook.Therewillbethreestrandsextendingfromthefirstturn-inghooktotheendhook.

Step 3—Continuethreadingthetwinebackandforthuntilyouhavethreelengthsofbindertwinegoingfromeachturninghooktotheendhook.Keepenoughtensionontheendhooktoremoveanyslackfromthetwine.

Step 4—AskathirdScouttostandjustinfrontoftheendhookandfitthelengthsoftwinecomingoffeachturninghookintothenotchesoftheseparatorpaddle.Astheropeisturned,theScoutholdingtheseparatorpaddleshouldmovethepaddletowardthebaseunit,makingsurethestrandsdonotbecomefouled.

Step 5—Startturningthehandlesothatthehooksturnclock-wise.Asyouturnthehandle,thebindertwinewillbegintoformintotwistedstrands,andthesestrandswillalsotwisttoformrope.

Step 6—Temporarilysecureeachendofthenewropebytyingapieceoftwinearoundit.Finishtheprojectbywhippingtheends.

Sixty feet of twine

will produce a

rope 6 feet long.

Practice will help you determine how fast to turn the handle and how quickly to move the separator paddle to make a good piece of rope. Too few turns will pro-duce rope that is loose. Too many turns will produce rope that is twisted too tight and might be hard to use.

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PIONEERING 53

.Anchors and rope Tackle

AnchorsandRopeTackleBuildingpioneeringprojectsoftenrequiresreliableanchorpointsforattachingguylinesandforbothendsofamonkeybridge.Youalsoneedsecureanchoringwhenusingropetackletomoveorhoistloads.

AnchorsAsturdytreeoralarge,immovablerockmightbejustrightforuseasananchor.Otherwise,pioneeringstakesdrivenintothegroundcanserveasanchors.

StakesWhennaturedoesnotprovideasolution,anchorscanbecon-structedusingstoutpioneeringstakes.Ideally,pioneeringstakesaremadeofhardwood.Themostcommonsizeofstakefortheprojectsshowninthispamphletis2to3inchesindiameterandabout24to30incheslong.Aftercuttingthestaketosize,useanaxtoshapeapointononeend.Bevelthetopofthestaketopreventitfrommushroomingorsplittingwhenthestakeisdrivenintotheground.Don’tusetentpegsaspioneer-ingstakes—theyarenotlongenoughorstrongenoughtomakeasecureanchor.

Before using an

ax, you must earn

the Totin’ Chip,

which grants you

the right to carry

and use woods

tools. See the Boy

Scout Handbook

for details.

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54 PIONEERING

Anchors and rope Tackle.

1-1-1 AnchorThe1-1-1anchorismadebydrivingthreestakesinarowdirectlyinlinewiththedirectionofthepullofananchorropeorguyline.Securealoopofropebetweeneachpairofanchorstakes,thenuseasticktotwisttheropetight.Pushtheendofthestickintothegroundtokeeptheropefromunwinding.

Make a MalletUsing a sledgehammer to drive a stake into the ground might damage the stake. A better choice is a heavy wooden mallet. You can make your own. Form the head from an 11-inch length of hardwood about 4 inches in diameter. Drill a 1-inch-diameter hole through the head. Shape the mallet handle from a 24-inch length of hard-wood; use a sharp knife to whittle one end of the handle to fit the hole in the mal let head. Saw a slot into the whittled end of the handle. Drive the handle all the way into the hole, then secure the handle in place with a wedge driven into the slot.

Depending on

the load an

anchor will bear

and the stability

of the soil, you

can add stakes

to the anchor in

configurations

such as 2-1-1

or 3-2-1.

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PIONEERING 55

.Anchors and rope Tackle

Log and Stake Anchoring SystemThe logandstakeanchoringsystem reliesonalogstakedtotheground.Discusstheanchoringneedswithyourmeritbadgecounselortodeterminehowlargethelogneedstobe—probablyatleast5feetlongand4to6inchesindiameter.

Step 1—Placethelogperpendiculartotheguylineitwillanchor,thendrivefourstakesacrossthefrontofthelog,leaningthembackwardata45-degreeangle.

Step 2—Positionaropeslingaroundthelog.Acarabiner(seetheClimbingmeritbadgepamphlet)orsteelringsecuredtotheslingwillprovideapointtotietheguyline.

Step 3—Driveanothersetofstakes24to36inchesbehindthefirst.Placealoopofropebetweeneachpairoffrontandbackstakes,thentightenbytwistingtheloopwithastick.

Rope Sling

Aropesling(alsoknownasagrommet)isoftenusedaspartofananchoringsystem.Tomakeaslingfroma10-footlengthof1⁄2-inchmanilaorpolypropylenerope,splicetheendstogetherwithashortsplice,ortiethemwithawaterknotordoublefisherman’sknot.(Usesafetyknotsorlashingstosecuretheropeends.)

Place an anchor sling or guyline around the stake close to the ground. A line higher on the stake might have enough leverage to pull the stake loose.

Not HeRe

HeRe

The sling you use should be made of a larger- diameter rope than the guyline it will anchor to avoid creating a weak link in the anchoring system.

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56 PIONEERING

Rope TackleRopetacklecreatesamechanical advantagethatallowsyoutomovealargeloadwithasmallamountofforce.Ropetackleworksonthesameprincipleasusingropesandpulleysforliftingorhaulingloads.

Theprinciplesofmechanicaladvantagecanbedemon-stratedwithropetacklesetuptomovealog.Thetypeofropeyouchooseforaropetackleshouldhavealowstretchfactor,suchasmanilarope.Somesyntheticropeshaveaslicksurfacethathelpsreducefriction,buttheymightalsostretchalot,less-eningtheeffectivenessofropetackle.(Forapplyingmechanicaladvantagetotentanddiningflyguylines,parachutecordcanbeideal.)

Step 1—Tieoneendofyourropetoatreeorothersecureanchor.

Step 2—Tieoneendofashorterropearoundthelogwithatimberhitch.Formaneyeintheotherendoftheshortropebymakinganeyespliceorbytyingabowlineorfigureeightonabight.

Step 3—Passtherunningendofthelongropethroughtheeyeintheshortrope.Pulltheslackoutofthelongrope.

Step 4—Checkthattheanchorissecure,thetimberhitchiswell-tied,andtheeyeintheshortropeiscorrectlyformed.

Step 5—Movethelogbypullingontherunningendofthelongline.Themechanicaladvantageofthesystemis2:1;forevery2feetofropeyoupullthroughthesystem,thelogwillmove1foot.Theeffortrequiredtomovethelogisonlyhalfwhatitwouldbetopullthelogwitharopethatwasnotformedintotackle.

Haveeveryonenotinvolvedinmovingthelogstandwellclearoftheropetackle.Toreducefrictionontheropesandthusincreasethemechanicaladvantage,snapacarabinerintotheloopontheshortropeandpasstherunningendofthelongropethroughthat.

Also known as

blocks, pulleys

are metal or

wooden shells

holding wheels

over which the

rope, known as

tackle, can run.

Anchors and rope Tackle.

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.Anchors and rope Tackle

Trucker’s HitchAusefulformofropetackleisthetrucker’shitch.Useittoputtensiononlinesstretchedbetweentwotrees,toliftaweight,totiedownandsecureyourequipmentonatrailerortruck,andtotightenguylinesontentsandrainflies.

Step 1—Tieoneendoftheropetoatentgrommet,atree,oratrailerortruckhookonthefarsideofaload.

Step 2—Useabutterflyknottoformaloopinthestandingpartoftherope.

Step 3—Bringthefreeendoftheropearoundastake,ahookonatrailerortruck,orotheranchor,andpassthefreeendoftheropethroughtheloop.

Step 4—Puttensionontheropebypullingthefreeend,thentieofftherope.

Tomaintainthetensioncre-atedbyropetackle(securingatentguyline,forexample),formabightinthehaulingendoftheropeandtieitoffwithatighthalfhitchsnuggedupagainsttheloopformedbythebutterflyknot.

The mechanical advantage created by rope tackle can double the strain placed on a rope. It also can concen-trate the tension on loops and knots. Rope moving through a loop causes friction that can generate heat and added strain. Over-loading and heat from friction can

damage rope fibers and reduce the efficiency and safety of rope tackle. Stay within safe working limits by using rope tackle only for loads

that can easily be managed with the kind and diameter of rope available. While tackle is in use, keep an eye on all knots and anchors to ensure that they remain secure. Ropes used to make the tackle should be inspected regularly for damaged fibers.

Trucker’s hitch

Load

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PIONEERING 59

.Lashings

LashingsLashingisawayofusingropetosecurelyjoinspars.Lashings,likeknots,havebeenapartofhumanknowledgeforthousandsofyears.Infact,thelashingsformedtodayarepracticallyiden-ticaltothosemadebyScoutssinceScouting’searliestdays.

Scouts who

have earned First

Class rank will be

familiar with using

square, shear, and

diagonal lashings

to join two or

more poles or

staves together.

The Language of LashingsThe following terms will help you understand how to make lashings.

wrap. A wrap is a turn made around the two spars to hold the spars tightly together. Usually three wraps are made to form a square lashing. Other lashings might require more wraps.

frap. A frap is a turn made between the spars. It goes around the wraps to pull the wraps tighter. Usually two frapping turns are made on a lashing.

spar. A spar is a pole or staff, usually made of wood. Spars are used as the structural members of pioneering projects.

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60 PIONEERING

Lashings.

Square LashingUseasquarelashingforbindingtogethertwosparsthatareat,orcloseto,rightangleswitheachother.Thesparsaresquarewitheachother;thusthenameforthelashing.

Step 1—Placethesparsinposition.

Step 2—Tieaclovehitcharoundthebottomsparnearthecrosspiece.

Step 3—Makethreetightwrapsaroundbothspars,securingtheendoftheclovehitchasyouwouldatimberhitch.Asyouformthewraps,laytheropeontheoutsideofeachpreviousturnaroundthetopspar,andontheinsideofeachpreviousturnaroundthebottomspar.

Step 4—Maketwofrapsaroundthewraps,pullingtheropeverytight.

Step 5—Finishwithaclovehitcharoundthetopspar.

A B2 3

4 5

Rope for LashingIn most cases, 1⁄4-inch-diameter manila rope is fine for lashing together two spars when the combined diameter of both spars is 6 inches or less. When the combined diameter exceeds 6 inches, use rope that is 3⁄8 inch in diameter. To ensure the full strength of a lashing, use enough rope to make the required number of wraps and fraps. Dress the lashing after completing it by wrapping any extra rope around a spar and securing it with an additional clove hitch.

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.Lashings

VARIATIONS OF THE SqUARE LASHINGHerearetwovariationsonthebasicsquarelashing.

Modified Square Lashing.Tyingaclovehitchtocompleteasquarelashingcanbedifficult.Themodifiedsquarelashingeliminatestheendingclovehitch.

Step 1—Beginwithaclovehitch,butleaveatailofabout12inchesandletithangfree.

Step 2—Completethreewrapsandtwofrapstoformatraditionalsquarelashing,butinsteadoffinishingwithaclovehitch,bringupthetailoftheropeandtieasquareknotinthestandingpartoftherope.

Japanese Mark II Square Lashing.TheJapaneseMarkIIsquarelashingisastraightforwardapproachforlashingtwosparstogether.

Step 1—Beginbyfoldingthelashingropeinhalf.Placethebendaroundtheverticalsparandbeneaththehorizontalspar.

Step 2—Workingbothendsoftheropeatthesametime,makethreewrapsaroundthespars.

Step 3—Bringtheropeendsupbetweenthesparsinoppositedirectionstomakethefrappingturnsaroundthewraps.

Step 4—Pullthefrappingturnstight,andcompletethelashingbytyingthetwoendswithasquareknot.

Theadvantageofthisvariationisthatyouworkbothendsoftheropeatthesametime.Thatcanmakeformingthelashingquickersinceeachhandhaslessropetopullthrough.Thedrawbackisthatitcanbemoredifficulttokeepbothropeendspulledtightlythanwhenlashingwithasingleropeend.

A

B

C

21

1 32 4

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62 PIONEERING

Lashings.

Shear LashingSparssecuredwithashearlashingcanberaisedasanA-frame.

Step 1—Laytwosparssidebysideandtieaclovehitchtooneofthem.

Step 2—Makethreeorfourloosewrapsaroundthespars,andthenputtwoloosefrapsbetweenthem.

Step 3—Finishwithaclovehitcharoundtheotherspar,thenspreadtheendsofthesparstoformtheshapeyouneed.Redothelashingifitistootightortooloose.

1 2 3

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.Lashings

Diagonal LashingTobindsparsatanangleotherthanarightangle,useadiagonallashing.

Step 1—Tieatimberhitcharoundbothsparsandpullitsnug.

Step 2—Makethreetightverticalwrapsaroundthespars,layingthewrapsneatlyalongsidethetimberhitch,thenmakethreehorizontalwrapsacrossthespars.

Step 3—Cinchdownthewrapswithtwofrapsaroundthelashing,pullingtheropetight.

Step 4—Tieofftheropewithaclovehitch.

Round LashingRoundlashingsbindtwosparssidebyside.

Step 1—Positionthesparsalongsideeachotherandtiethemtogetherwithaclovehitch.

Step 2—Makesevenoreightverytight,neatwrapsaroundthespars.

Step 3—Finishthelashingwithanotherclovehitcharoundbothspars.

Aroundlashinghasnofraps.Thewrapsmustdoallthework,sopullthemastightasyoucan.Makeasecondroundlashingfartheralongthesparstokeepthemfromtwistingoutofline.

When very smooth

synthetic rope or

very smooth spars

are used, the

round lashing can

be made more

secure by adding

several additional

half hitches to

each of the

clove hitches.

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64 PIONEERING

Lashings.

Other LashingsAfewadditionallashingswillallowyoutobuildspecialstructuresorputthefinishingtouchesonatable,tower,orotherproject.

Tripod Lashing.Acloserelativeoftheshearlashing,thetripodlashingistheonetouseformakingatripodorforjoiningtogetherthefirstthreepolesofatepee.

Step 1—Laythreepolesalongsideeachotherwiththetopofthecenterpolepointingthedirectionoppositethatoftheout-sidepoles.

Step 2—Tieaclovehitcharoundoneoutsidepole.

Step 3—Looselywrapthepolesfiveorsixtimes,layingtheturnsofropeneatlyalongsideoneanother.

Step 4—Maketwoloosefrapsonbothsidesofthecenterpole.

Step 5—Endwithaclovehitcharoundanoutsidepole.Spreadthelegsofthetripodintoposition.Ifyouhavemadethewrapsorfrapstootight,youmayneedtostartover.

2 3

54

4

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PIONEERING 65

.Lashings

Floor Lashing.Thefloorlashingwillsecurethetopofatable,thedeckofaraft,thefloorofasignaltower,orthewalkwayofabridge.

Step 1—Laythepolessidebysideontopofthestringers—thelogsorpolesonwhichyourplatformwillrest.

Step 2—Tieaclovehitcharoundonestringer.

Step 3—Bendthestandingpartoftheropeoverthefirstpole.Pullthebendofropeunderthestringerandcastitoverthesecondpole.Youmayneedtolifttheendofthepoletogettheropeoverit.

Step 4—Pulltheropetight,thenbenditoverthethirdpole.Continueuntilallthepolesareboundtothestringer.

Step 5—Finishwithaclovehitch,thenrepeattheproceduretolashtheotherendsofthepolestotheotherstringer.

4

5

2

3

1

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66 PIONEERING

Lashings.

West Country Shear Lashing.Usethislashinginpairstoholdtogethertwospars.ThestepsforformingitaresimilartothoseforaWestCountrywhipping.Theprimarydifferenceisthatthewhippingisusedtopreventaropeendfromunraveling,whilethelashingisusedtoholdsparstogether.

Step 1—Laythesparssidebyside.Tiethemidpointofthelashingropearoundthesparswithanoverhandknot.

Step 2—Takethetwoendsofthelashingropebehindthesparsandtieanotheroverhandknot.

Step 3—Continuetotieoverhandknots,alternatingthembetweenthefrontandbackofthespars,untilthelashinghasbeenformed.

Two-Spar Shear Lashing.Youcanusethetwo-sparshearlashingtoextendthelengthofonesparbylashinganotherspartoit.ThisisalsoagoodlashingtousewhensparlegswillbespreadaparttoformanA-frametrestle.(See“LashingTogetheraTrestle,”laterinthissection.)

Toextendaspar,maketwolashingswherethesparsoverlap.Thediameterandlengthofthesparsdeterminetheamountofoverlap.Placethelashingsasfarapartaspossibletomaintainthestrengthneeded.

Step 1—Startwithaclovehitchononespar.

Step 2—Wraptheexcesspartoftheshortrunningendaroundthestandingpartoftherope.

If the spars will

stay side by

side, keep them

from twisting out

of position by

making a second

two-spar shear

lashing further

along the spars.

Always tie each overhand knot the same way (“right over left” or “left over right”) so the knots lie together neatly. Finish the West Country shear lashing with a tight square knot.

21

1

2

3

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.Lashings

Step 3—Makeeightto10loosewrapsaroundthespars,thentightenthewrapswithtwofrappingturnsbetweenthespars.

Step 4—Finishthelashingbytyingaclovehitchontheotherspar.

Strop Lashing.Sometimesallyouneedtoholdtwosmallsparstogetherareafewwrapswitharopeorcord.Finishwithasquareknotorclovehitchandyouhaveastroplashing.Essentiallyitisashearlashingformedwithoutanyfraps.Stroplashingscanbeusedtosecureashortstavetoastake,tojoinwalkwaysectionstoarusticbridge,ortolashtheendsofbridgewalkwaystostakes.

To make an A-frame trestle, place the spars next to each other and form a loose two-spar shear lashing about a foot from the top ends of the spars. Spread apart the other ends to form the A-frame, and tighten the lashing. See “A-Trestle,” later in this section.

Strop lashings

3 4

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68 PIONEERING

Lashings.

Lashing Together a TrestleAtrestleisthemainsupportingframeworkforbuildingarustictower,bridge,orotherpioneeringstructure.Itismadewithsparsastheprimaryweight-bearinglegs,andbraces(includinghori-zontalledgersandtransoms)providingstability.ThreetrestledesignsaretheH-trestle,X-trestle,andA-trestle,eachnamedfortheshapeoftheletteritresembles.

H-TrestleH-trestlesareusedintowerdesignsandforcertainbridges.AllofthelashingsonanH-trestlearesquarelashingsexceptforthediagonallashingusedtosecurethecrossbracestooneanother.HereishowtobuildanH-trestle.

Step 1—Laythetwolegsonthegroundwiththebuttends(thelarger-diameterends)ofthesparsatthesameendandevenwithoneanother.Securethehorizontalledgersinplacewithsquarelashings.

Step 2—Addthecrossbraces.Thecrossbraces(sparsusually2inchesindiameter)arelashedtothelegsinaparticularsequence.

• Positiononecrossbracesothatitisonthesideofthesparsoppositetheledgers.(Itmighthelptoflipthetrestleover.)Lashthecrossbracetothesparswithsquarelashings.

• Positionthesecondcrossbracesothatoneendisonthesamesideofthesparsastheledgers,buttheotherendisontheoppositeside.Lashthesecondcrossbracetothesparswithsquarelashings.Therewillbeaslightgapbetweenthecrossbraceswheretheycrossoneanother.

Step 3—Standthetrestleup.Makesurethelegs,ledgers,andcrossbracesareallproperlypositionedandsecure.Ifeverythinglooksgood,useadiagonallashingtopulltogetherthetwocrossbraceswheretheyareclosesttoeachother.Thatwilladdtremendousstabilitytothetrestleandcompletethestructure.Ifadjustmentsmustbemade,laythetrestledownandgeteverythinginorderbeforemakingthediagonallashing.

ledGeR

ledGeR

diAGoNAl lASHiNG

SqUARe lASHiNG

SqUARe lASHiNG

SqUARe lASHiNG

SqUARe lASHiNG

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PIONEERING 69

.Lashings

X-TrestleTwoX-trestlesprovidethestandardsateachendofamonkeybridge.HereishowtobuildanX-trestle.

Step 1—Laythetwolegsonthegroundsidebysidewiththebuttends(thelarger-diameterends)ofthesparsatthesameendandevenwithoneanother.Withalooseshearlashing,securethematthehalfwaypointoftheirlength.

Step 2—FormtheXbyspreadingapartthebuttendsofthespars.

Step 3—Createstabilitybylashingahorizontalledgerinplacewithsquarelashings.

A-TrestleThisdesignformsanA-shapedtrestlethatcanbeusedforavarietyofbridgeplans.HereishowtobuildanA-trestle.

Step 1—Laythetwolegsonthegroundsidebysidewiththebuttends(thelarger-diameterends)ofthesparsatthesameendandevenwithoneanother.Formalooseshearlashingafootfromthenarrowerendsofthespars.

Step 2—SpreadapartthebuttendsofthesparstoformtheAshape.

Step 3—Usesquarelashingstoaddtwoledgers(bottomledgerandtoptransom)tothelegs.

The triangle shapes formed by lashing together spars and braces are among the most basic ways to keep a structure from wobbling.

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PIONEERING 71

.Pioneering Projects

PioneeringProjectsBuildasignaltower?Youbet.Rigamonkeybridgetocrossastream?Thereisnobetterwaytospendtheday.Lashtogetheratableforyourpatrolcampsite?Perfect.

Projectconstructionbringstogetheralltheskillsofpioneering.Youwillneedtomakeaplan,createadesign,anddevelopalistofmaterials.Wheneverythingisreadyandyouhaveyourcounselor’sapproval,youcanuseyourbestskillsformakinglashingsandtyingknots.Beforelongyouwillhaveastructurethatyou’llbegladtocallyourown.

Building Scale ModelsWithstraightsticksandstrongstringyoucanlashtogethermodelsofanyrusticstructure.Asignaltowercouldbeonly2feethigh.Abridgemighthaveaspanofjust24inchesbutbeperfectineverydetail.Buildyourmodelsasauthenticasyoucan,usingthecorrectknotsandlashings.Whenyouhavethechancetobuildtherealthing,youwillknowjustwhattodo.

Ascaleof1inch=1footisagoodstandardformostmodels.Itwillmean,forexample,thatthemodelofa24-footbridgewillbe24incheslong.Modelsbuilttothisscaleareeasytomanageandlargeenoughtoshowallthedetails.

For“spars,”youmaybeabletogetpermissionfromalandownertocutlengthsofwillowsorotherstraight,durablebranches.Dowelsfrombuildingsupplystoresareuseful,too.Strongcottonstringorflaxcordcanbeusedtomakelashingsandanchors.

For a permanent model, consider building on a piece of plywood. You could even use plastic foam shaped and painted to represent terrain features—the banks of a stream, for instance. See the Model Design and Building merit badge pamphlet for more information on model building.

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72 PIONEERING

Pioneering Projects.

SCALE-MODEL MONKEy BRIDGEHereisasimpleplanforbuildingascalemodelofamonkeybridge.

Materials Needed 4 1⁄4-inch (or 3⁄8-inch) dowels, 12 inches long, for spars

2 1⁄4-inch (or 3⁄8-inch) dowels, 4 inches long, for crosspieces (ledgers)

Cotton string or flax cord for lashings (4 strings of about 18 inches each)

1 4-foot cord for foot rope

2 4-foot cords for hand ropes

7 9-inch cords for stringer ropes

4 strings for guylines

10 toothpicks for stakes (three for each 1-1-1 anchor, four for guylines)

2 fabric scraps to use as rope pads

Block of heavy plastic foam for the base

Ruler

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PIONEERING 73

.Pioneering Projects

Step 1—BuildtwoX-trestles.Forthesparsofeachtrestle,usetwo1⁄4-inch(or3⁄8-inch)woodendowels,12incheslong.Lashthemtogether5inchesfromthetopwithashearlashing.Spreadthesparsapart.Placea4-inchcrosspieceoneachtres-tle,2inchesfromthebottomendsofthelongspars,andlashthecrosspiecesinplaceusingsquarelashings.

Step 2—Layoutthefootropeandthetwohandropesparalleltoeachotherandabout4inchesapart.Tiea9-inch-longstringerropetothemidpointofonehandrope.Makearoundturnwiththestringerropearoundthefootrope,thentietherunningendtotheotherhandrope.Repeatwiththeotherstringerropesat3-inchintervalsalongthemiddle20inchesofthehandandfootropes.(Leavebothendsofthefootandhandropesfree—notjoinedbystringers.Theendswillbesecuredtoanchors.)

Step 3—Makea1-1-1anchorateachendofthebridge.Drivethestakes(toothpicks)intothebasesotheyarealignedwiththebridge.

Step 4—Securetheropeassemblytemporarilytotheanchors.RaisetheX-trestlesintoposition.Tieguylinestothetrestlesandanchorthelinesata45-degreeanglefromthedirectionofthefootrope.

1

4

2

5

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74 PIONEERING

Pioneering Projects.

Step 5—Makeapadbyfoldingoverascrapoffabric.PlacethepadabovetheshearlashingofoneX-trestleandpositionthefootropeonthepad.Dothesameforthesecondtrestle.

Step 6—Retieeachendofthefootropetoitsanchorwitharoundturnandtwohalfhitches.Tightentheropetoliftthefootropeintoposition.

Step 7—SecurethehandropesbyformingclovehitchesandtighteningthemnearthetopsoftheX-trestlespars.Anchortherunningendsofthehandropestostakes(toothpicks)inlinewiththehandropesorattachedtothe1-1-1anchoralsousedtotiethefootrope.

Step 8—Adjustthetightnessofalloftheropesandchecktheknotsandlashingstoensurethateverythingisinorder.

6 7

8

Building a scale model allows you to see firsthand the mechanics of a pioneering project but in a less demanding and less physically challenging setting.

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PIONEERING 75

.Pioneering Projects

Pioneering Kit Atroop,adistrict,oracouncilcampmightwanttoassembleapioneeringkitthatcontainstheropesandsparsneededforavarietyofpioneeringprojects.ThematerialsinthekitcanbeusedatScoutingevents,reusedmanytimesandreplacedasnecessary,thenneatlystoreduntilthenexttimetheyareneeded.

Ropecanbepurchasedinspoolsof600feetormore.Manilarope1⁄4inchindiameterisidealformostpioneeringprojects.Cuttheropeintolengthsof10,15,20,30,and50feet.Whiptheendsofeachlengthtohelppreventfrayingorunrav-eling.Foreasyidentification,colorcodetheropelengthsbydippingtheendsinpaintofvariouscolors.

Sparsareavailablefromvarioussourcesincludinglumber-yardsandfarmsupplystores.Sometimestheycanbeharvestedduringtimber-thinningoperationsatScoutcampsoronprivatetreefarms.Removethebarktolimitdamagefrominsectsandtoprovideagoodsurfaceforsecuringlashings.Aswithropes,sparscanbepaintedontheendstocolor-codetheirlengths.

Treat spars with care so they can be reused and will last a long time. When spars are not in use, store them in a dry, sheltered, and well-ventilated area. Keep the spars off the ground by stacking them on top of several perpendicular logs or timbers.

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Pioneering Projects.

quantity Butt Diameter Length

50 2 to 21⁄2 inches 2 feet

30 2 to 21⁄2 inches 3 feet

20 2 to 21⁄2 inches 31⁄2 feet

15 2 inches 4 feet

10 3 inches 4 feet

10 2 to 21⁄2 inches 6 feet

8 3 inches 6 feet

15 21⁄2 inches 8 feet

10 3 inches 8 feet

10 21⁄2 inches 10 feet

20 31⁄2 inches 10 feet

8 4 inches 10 feet

10 31⁄2 inches 12 feet

6 4 inches 12 feet

6 4 inches 14 feet

4 5 inches 14 feet

Rope for bridge handrails:

8 11⁄2 inches 12 feet

Atypicalpioneeringkitcontainsthefollowingspars:

Other EquipmentBesides spars and ropes, your pioneering kit should contain some basic equipment needed for building projects.

2 shovels

2 wooden mallets

1 hand ax

1 bow saw

4 spools of parachute cord

4 boxes of binder twine

10 wooden cleats and nails (for use with masthead knot)

50 anchor stakes

Carabiners, steel rings, and/or screw pin shackles

Tape measure

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Steps in Building your Pioneering ProjectThepioneeringbasics—tyingknots,makinglashings,constructinganchors,andusingropetackle—canbelearnedandpracticedathomeandattroopmeetings.Theprojectsandstructuresshowninthispamphletcanusuallybecon-structedwithmaterialsavailableatsummercamporatcouncilcampingevents.

Step 1—Decideonthetypeofprojectyouwanttobuild.Considertheequipment,thenumberofpeopleneeded,andthetimerequiredtobuildit.

Step 2—Checktheprojectsite.Aretherenaturalanchors(maturetrees,largerocks)forsecuringguylines?Ifabridgewillcrossastream,howlongmustthespanbe,andhowhigh?Whatsafetyissuesmustbeaddressedbeforepioneeringworkcanbegin?

Step 3—Makearoughsketchoftheproject.Developalistofmaterialsthatincludesallthespars,ropes,andotheritemsyouwillneed.

Step 4—Gatherthematerials.

Step 5—Reviewtheplanswithyourcrewmembersandcoun-selor.Perhapstheprojectcanbebuiltasseveraltrestlesthatcanthenbelashedtogether.SeveralScoutscanbeassignedtobuildeachtrestleorothersubassemblyoftheproject.

Itisnotnecessaryforyourprojecttobepictureperfect,butmakeitstructurallysound.Ifoneortwosparsareabitlongerthanrequired,thatisfineaslongasthelashingsareintheproperlocationforstrengthandthediameterofthesparswillcarrytheload.

As you build,

monitor the

progress of the

work to make sure

everyone involved

keeps safety in

mind at all times.Remember, whether you build a project with a group of Scouts or on your own, you will need your counselor’s approval before you begin. Your counselor can help you create a rough sketch of the project and make a list of the materials you will need.

When you are ready to begin building, be sure you do so only under the supervision of a Pioneering merit badge counselor.

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Pioneering Projects.

TowersThedouble-laddertower,thetraditionalsignaltower,andthehourglasstower(pyramidtower)presentinterestingchallenges.Eachcanbeconstructedasseveraltrestlesandthenassembledandliftedintoposition.

DOUBLE-LADDER TOWERAdouble-laddertowerrequiresfewerlongsparsthandoothertowerdesigns.Itreliesonguylinesandasecureanchoringsystemtoremainupright.

Materials Needed 4 4-inch-by-14-foot ladder legs

10 2-inch-by-3-foot climbing ladder rungs

3 2-inch-by-3-foot supporting ladder spreaders

2 2-inch-by-3-foot platform handrails

2 21⁄2-inch-by-6-foot base spreaders

2 21⁄2-inch-by-6-foot platform supporting spars

2 2-inch-by-6-foot platform long handrails

4 21⁄2-inch-by-10-foot side cross braces

2 21⁄2-inch-by-8-foot platform cross braces

18 2-inch-by-31⁄2-foot platform floor slats

8 stakes for four 1-1 anchors

4 3⁄8-inch manila or polypropylene guy ropes

2 hoisting lines

1 brake line

All pioneering projects are temporary in nature. Towers, bridges, and other structures that have been lashed together must be dismantled when they are no longer being used. This is both a matter of safety and a part of BSA’s Leave No Trace ethic.

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Construct two lad ders—a climbing ladder and a supporting ladder.

Step 1—Layouttwopairsof14-footsparsonthegroundforthelegsoftheladders.Besurethebuttendsareevenatthebottomsothetowerwillstandupstraight.Beforeyoubeginanylashing,markthepositionswherethesparsthatwillholdthetopplatformaretobelashedontothelegs—apointabout4feetfromthetopendsofthelegs.

Step 2—Tomaketheclimbingladder,lash10rungsononepairoflegsatabout1-footintervals.Thetoprungshouldbelashedonwhereyoumarkedthepositionoftheplatform,4feetfromthetop.Completetheclimbingladderbylashingthe3-foothandrailinplacenearthetopofthespars.

Step 3—Tomakethesupportingladder,lashthreecrosspiecesontheothersetoflegstoserveasthebottom,center,andtopspreaders.Thetopspreadershouldbelashedatthepointmarkedfortheplatform,4feetfromthetop.Finishbylashingonatophandrail,asontheclimbingladder.

Lash the ladders together.

Step 1—Positionthetwoladdersontheirsides,parallelandapproximately6feetapart.Makesurethebuttendsofthelongsparsareeven.Nowlashonaspar(6-footbasespreader)tojointogetherthebottomsofthetwoladders.

Step 2—Lashontheplatformsupportingsparjustabovethetoprungandtopspreaderontheladders.Beforeproceeding,checkthemeasurementsfromthebottomsofthelegstotheplatformsupportingspartomakesurethelegsareequalandtheplatformislevel.Thenlashonthetoplonghandrail.

Step 3—Positionthetwo10-footsidediagonalbraces.Usesquarelashingstolashtheendstothetowerlegs.Useadiagonallashingtopullthebracestogetherwheretheycrossandtosecurethemtoeachother.

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Pioneering Projects.

Step 4—Withthecrew’shelp,rollthetower180degrees,thenlashthesparsandbracestotheothersideofthestructure.Beginwiththespreaderatthebaseoftheladderlegs,thenlashontheplatformsupportingspar,followedbythetwodiagonalbraces.Finishwiththetoplonghandrail.

Step 5—Lashontwoplatformcrossbraces,diagonallyacrossthelegsjustundertheplatformtohelpthetowerresistracking.Usesquarelashingstolashthecrossbracestothelegsandadiagonallashingwheretheycross.

Step 6—Beforestandingthetowerupright,useafloorlashingtotiethespars(slats)forthetowerplatforminplace.

HANdRAilS

plAtfoRmSUppoRt SpAR

topSpReAdeR

middleSpReAdeR

X-BRACeS

lAddeR RUNGS

Bottom SpReAdeR

BASe SpReAdeR

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Anchor the tower.

Step 1—Determinewherethefouranchorsfortheguylineswillbeplacedtosteadythelegsofthetower.Ifthetowerwilluseanaturalanchorsuchasatreeorboulder,usearopeslingforattachingtheguylines.Usepioneeringstakesforallotheranchors.Ataminimum,youwillneedwell-constructed1-1anchorsatallfourcorners.

Step 2—Beforehoistingthetower,useabowlineknotoraroundturnandtwohalfhitchestosecurethefourguylinestothetowerlegsjustabovetheplatform.Fortheguylines,useatleast3⁄8-inch-diametermanilaorpolypropylenerope.

Hoist the tower.

Step 1—Tietwohoistinglinestothelongsparsjustabovetheplatformonthesideofthetowertobelifted.Tieabrakelineontheoppositesidetopreventthetowerfromtippingtoofarasitisraised.

Step 2—Gathereveryoneinyourcrewtoassistwiththehoist-ing.Assignonepersonasasafetyofficertostandwherehecanobservetheoperationandalertotherstoanysafetyconcerns.ThatScoutalsocanbethesignalcallerwhosayswhenandhowfasttopullonthehoistingropesandwhentostoppulling.PosttwoormoreScoutsateachhoistingrope.AssigntwoormoreScoutstomanagethebrakerope.

Step 3—Wheneveryoneisinposition,havethesignalcallerdirecttheScoutsonthehoistingropestohoistthetowerintoposition.Assoonasitup,instructScoutstopulloutthefourguylinesandsecurethemtotheanchorswitharoundturnandtwohalfhitches,orwitharopetackle(atrucker’shitchisagoodchoice).

Step 4—Graduallyapplytensiontotheguylinestostraightenandstabilizethetower,thentieoffthelines.

Test the tower. Beforeopeningthetowertogeneraluse,makeatestclimbwhilethesafetyofficerandthewholecrewobservealllashingsandanchorstoensuretheyaresecure.

For more on

anchors, see

the “Anchors

and Rope

Tackle” chapter.

top view

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Pioneering Projects.

TRADITIONAL SIGNAL TOWERThesquarebaseandnarrowingtopofatraditionalsignaltowerisahighlystabledesign.

Step 1—Buildtwoidenticaltrestles.Positionthetrestlesnexttoeachotherandlashthemtogetherwithspars.

Step 2—Raisethetower.Useguy-linesbothforpullingthetoweruprightandforcontrollingitsmotionsothatitdoesn’tgotoofarover.Itmaybenec-essarytodiginthebuttendsoftheverticalsparstokeeptheminplacewhilethetowerisbeinglifted.

HOURGLASS TOWERThehourglasstower,alsoknownasapyramidtower,usessparstoformtrianglesthatarethenlashedtogether.Buildingascalemodelofthepyramidtowerwillhelpyouunderstandhowthetrianglesfittogethertoformanhourglassshape.

For stability,

anchor all towers

with guylines.

flooR lASHiNG

diAGoNAl lASHiNG

diAGoNAl lASHiNG

SqUARe lASHiNG

SqUARe lASHiNG

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Using 50-foot hand and foot ropes, the maximum span for a bridge is 20 feet. The extra 30 feet of rope allows 15 feet at each end for the proper distance from the X-trestles to the anchors (10 feet), and for making the knots at the anchors (5 feet).

Bridges Pioneeringbridgescanbeconstructedtocrosssmallstreamsorgullies.Buildingabridgeforfunandforpracticeonflat,drygroundcanbejustassatisfying.

MONKEy BRIDGESolidbridgescanbebuiltwithtrestlesandwalkways.Ropebridgesincludethemonkeybridge.

SHeAR lASHiNG

SqUARe lASHiNG

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Pioneering Projects.

Step 1—BeginbuildingtwoX-trestlesbytightlysecuringtwospars,5feetfromthetop,withashearlashing.Spreadthelegsapartandplacea4-footcrosspieceoneachtrestle,2feetfromthebuttendsofthelongspars.Tightlysecurethecrosspiecetothesparsusingsquarelashings.

Materials Needed 4 12-foot spars, 4 inches diameter at the butt end

2 2-inch-by-4-foot crosspieces

1 3⁄4-inch- or 1-inch-diameter foot rope (length of span, plus 30 feet for anchoring)

2 1⁄2-inch-diameter hand ropes (length of span, plus 30 feet for anchoring)

1⁄4-inch-by-9-foot stringer ropes (divide the length of the bridge span by three to get the number of stringer ropes needed; for example, a 20-foot span will take seven stringer ropes)

4 guylines

10 stakes (three for each 1-1-1 anchor, four for guylines)

2 burlap pads

4 lengths of 18-foot rope (for trestle lashings)

1

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Step 2—Layoutthefootropeandthetwohandropesparalleltoeachotherandabout4feetapart.Tiea9-inch-longstringerropetoonehandropeusingadoublehalfhitch.Makearound-turnwiththestringerropearoundthefootrope,thentietherunningendtotheotherhandrope.Repeatwiththeotherstringerropesat3-footintervalsalongthehandandfootropes.

Step 3—Makea1-1-1anchorateachendofthebridge.Drivethestakesinlinewiththebridge.

Step 4—Puttheropeassemblyinplaceandsecureittemporar-ilytotheanchors.RaisetheX-trestlesstraightupandintoposi-tion,withthebuttendsinshallowholestohelppreventshifting.Increasethestabilityofthetrestlesbytyingthemtoguylinesandanchoringthelinesata45-degreeanglefromthedirectionofthefootrope.

Step 5—Makeapadbyfoldingoverapieceofburlap.PlaceitabovetheshearlashingofoneX-trestleandpositionthefootropeonthepad.Dothesameforthesecondtrestle.

2 3

4 5

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Pioneering Projects.

Step 6—Retieeachendofthefootropetoitsanchorwitharoundturnandtwohalfhitches.Tightentheropetoliftthefootropeintoposition.

Step 7—SecurethehandropesbyformingclovehitchesandtighteningthemtothetopsoftheX-trestlespars.Anchortherunningendsofthehandropestostakesdrivenintothegroundinlinewiththehandropesorattachedtothe1-1-1anchoralsousedtotiethefootrope.Usingatrucker’shitchwillletyouadjusttensiononthehandropes.

Step 8—Tightenalltheropesasmuchaspossibleandchecktheknotsandlashingstoensurethateverythingisinorder.

When constructing monkey bridges, observe these safety rules.

• Construct monkey bridges no higher than 5 feet above flat-surfaced ground and no longer than 25 feet.

• Check every rope, especially those carrying a load, each day before using.

• Station Scouts at each end to control access to the bridge. Allow only one person at a time on the bridge. Never allow unaccompanied children on the bridge.

• Shut down the bridge when any repairs are being made. Do not reopen the bridge until the adult leader has approved the repairs.

Any activity on monkey bridges, rope swings, slide-for-life, or similar devices that are located over water must comply with Safe Swim Defense. See the Guide to Safe Scouting for more information.

7 8

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DOUBLE A-FRAME MONKEy BRIDGEAdoubleA-framemonkeybridgehastwoadditionallongsparsineachtrestle.Thesecanmakethebridgemorestableandincreasethewaystoadjustthesupportsforthehandropesandfootrope.

SINGLE-TRESTLE BRIDGEAsingle-trestlebridgereliesonanH-trestleasapierinthecenterofthespan.Buildingthebridgerequireslashingtogetherseveralsubassemblies:thetrestle,thewalkways,andthehandrails.

Thesparsforthewalkwaysandtrestle(aslistedunder“MaterialsNeeded”)willbelongenoughtospanacreekorravineupto4feetdeepand18feetacross.Thelegsforthetrestleshouldbesparsabout3inchesindiameterand8to10feetlong.Whenchoosingthesespars,takeintoaccountthedepthofthecreekyouarecrossing.Thedistancefromthebaseofthelegstothetopledger(transom)onthetrestleshouldbeaboutafoothigherthanthelevelofthebanksofthecreek.Thiswillallowthewalkwaystoslantupward.Forattachingthehandrail,allowanadditional4feetfromthetopledgertothetopofthelegs.

Makethetopledgerofthetrestleabout3inchesindiame-tersinceitwillcarrytheweightofthewalkwaysandthepersonusingit.Thebottomledgercanbeabout2inchesindiameter.

See the “Lashings”

section for detailed

instructions on

how to make an

H-trestle. You will

find instructions

for making a

walkway later in

this chapter.

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Pioneering Projects.

Step 1—AssembletheH-trestlewithsquarelashingstoholdtheledgersand

theendsofthecrossbracestothelegs.Use

adiagonallashingtodrawtogetherandsecurethecenter

ofthecrossbraces.

Step 2—Buildtwowalkways.

Step 3—Setthetrestleinthecenterofthecreek.“Heelin”thebottomsofthetrestlelegsbysetting

theminholesapproximately4to6inchesdeep.Thiswillhelppreventthetrestlefromshiftingandwillalsohelplevelthetransomspar.

Step 4—Putthewalkwaysinpositionfrombothsidesandlasheachwalkway’sundersparstothetransom(topledger)ofthetrestle.Thendrivestakesattheotherendofthewalkways.Lashtheendsofthecrosssparsonthewalkwaystothestakes.

Materials Needed 2 3-inch-by-8-foot or -10-foot trestle legs

1 3-inch-by-4-foot trestle top ledger (transom)

1 2-inch-by-4-foot trestle bottom ledger

2 2-inch-by-6-foot cross braces

4 3-inch-by-10-foot walkway lateral spars

12 2-inch-by-3-foot walkway cross spars

4 2-inch-by-31⁄2-inch walkway cross spars

2 2-inch-by-10-inch-by-10-foot walkway planks

4 11⁄2-inch-by-12-foot handrails

4 stakes

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Step 5—Tostrengthenthestructureandasanaidincrossingthebridge,installhandrails.Thehandrailsformtriangleswiththewalkwayandthetrestleleg,increasingthestructure’sstability.Usestroplashingstolashthehandrailstothetopofthetrestlelegsandtothestakes.

SINGLE-LOCK BRIDGEThesingle-lockbridgeconsistsoftwoH-trestleslockedtogether.

Materials NeededThe list of spars shown for this project should build a bridge to span a creek or ravine approximately 4 feet deep and 18 feet from bank to bank.

4 3-inch-by-6-foot trestle legs

4 21⁄2-inch-by-4-foot trestle ledgers

1 3-inch-by-4-foot trestle transom

4 2-inch-by-6-foot cross braces

4 3-inch-by-10-foot walkway lateral spars

12 2-inch-by-3-foot walkway cross spars

4 2-inch-by-31⁄2-foot walkway cross spars

2 2-inch-by-10-inch-by-10-foot walkway planks

4 stakes

Begin by building the two H-trestles as subassemblies. Adjust the length of the spars for the trestles so that when they are placed in the creek, the tops of the ledgers will be about 1 foot above the level of the creek’s banks. This will give a comfortable slant to the walkways.

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Step 1—Constructthetwotrestles,makingsurethatthelegsofthesecondtrestlearespacedatthetoptofitbetweenand“lock”intothelegsofthefirst.

Step 2—Constructthetwowalkways.(See“Walkways”laterinthissection.)

Step 3—Placethetrestlesoverthecenterofthecreeksothatthetopsofthetrestlesareinterlocked.Laya3-inch-diametertransomsparontopoftheinterlockedtrestlelegs.

Step 4—Stabilizethestructure.Placethebasesofthelegsinholes4to6inchesdeep,levelingthetransomsparsothatthewalkwayswon’ttiltsideways.

Step 5—Positionthewalkways.Usestroplashingstolashtheundersparsonthewalkwaystothetransomsparandtolashthecrosssparsattheendsofthewalkwaystothestakes.

SINGLE A-FRAME BRIDGEThesimpledesignofanA-framebridgemakesitagoodchoicewhentimeandbuildingmaterialsareinshortsupply.

Materials Needed 2 3-inch-by-12-foot A-frame legs

1 2-inch-by-6-foot bottom ledger

1 3-inch-by-6-foot transom

4 3-inch-by-10-foot walkway lateral spars

12 2-inch-by-3-foot walkway cross spars

4 2-inch-by-31⁄2-foot walkway cross spars

2 2-inch-by-10-inch-by-10-foot walkway planks

4 stakes

1

5

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Step 1—Startthisprojectbymeasuringthedepthofthecreekorravinetobespanned.Add8feettothatmeasurementtogetthetotalheightofthelegsfortheA-frame.Forexample,tospanacreek4feetdeep,thelegsoftheA-frameshouldbe12feetorlonger.

Step 2—LayoutthesparsandledgersfortheA-frametrestle.Positionthetransom(thetopledger)andthespreadofthesparssothatwhencompleted,thetransomwillbeaboutafoothigherthanthebanksofthecreekandtherewillberoomfromthetransomtothetopoftheA-frameforapersontopassfreelyalongthewalkways.

Step 3—Useashearlashingtolashtogetherthetwospars.MakethelashingsomewhatloosesothatyoucanspreadthesparlegsaparttoformtheshapeofanA.Asyouspreadthesparlegs,theshearlashingwilltighten.

Step 4—CompletetheA-framebylashingthebottomledgeracrossthelegsaboutafootfromthebuttendsofthespars.Thenlashthetransomspartosupportthewalkwaysattheproperheightinrelationtothebanksofthecreek.

Step 5—Buildtwo10-footwalkways.(See“Walkways,”laterinthischapter.)

Step 6—PlacetheA-frameinthecenterofthecreekandheelinthelegsinholesabout4to6inchesdeep.Asthelegsarebeingheeledin,levelthetransom.

Step 7—WhentheA-frameisupright,positiontheendsofthewalkwaysonthetransomandlashtheminplacewithstroplashings.Finally,usestroplashingstosecurethecrosssparsattheendsofthewalkwaystostakesdrivenintothebanksofthecreek.

Step 8—ToensurethattheA-framewon’ttipover,useguylinesextendingfromthetopoftheA-frametoanchorsoneachbankofthestream.

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WalkwaysManybridgedesignshaveoneormoretrestlessupportingawalkway.Thewalkwayofamonkeybridgeisaropesuspendedbetweenthetrestles.Formostotherbridges,youbuildasolidwalkwayfromspars.

Threeofthebridgesshowninthispamphletusewalkwaysconstructedfromtwolateralsparsandseveralcrossspars.Plankslaidatopthewalkwaysprovideeasyfootingfortravel-ers.Inmostcases,eachbridgehasatleasttwowalkways.

Step 1—Tomakea10-footsectionofwalkway,selecttwosparswithabuttdiameterofabout31⁄2inches.Besurethesparssagequallyunderstress,whenyoustandonthemwiththeendssupportedabovetheground.Ifonesparsagsmorethantheother,itwillcausethewalkwaytoslantortwistsideways,makingwalkingdifficult.

Step 2—Placeoneofthelonger(31⁄2inches)crosssparson topofthebuttendsofthelateralsparsanduseastroplashingtosecureit.Fittheotherlongercrosssparbeneaththeotherendofthelateralsparsandlashitwhereitwillserveastheunderspar.

If you have no

planking material,

you can create a

travel surface by

adding enough

cross spars to the

basic walkway

design to provide

travelers with

sure footing along

the full width of

the bridge.

BUtt eNd StRop lASHiNG StAKe lAteRAl SpAR CRoSS SpAR UNdeRSpAR

Materials Needed 2 31⁄2-inch-by-10-foot lateral spars

6 21⁄2-inch-by-3-foot cross spars

2 21⁄2-inch-by-31⁄2-foot cross spars

1 2-inch-by-10-inch-by-10-foot walkway plank

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Step 3—Placetheshorter(3-foot)crosssparsontopofthelateralspars.Spacethemevenlybetweentheendsofthewalk-wayandusesquarelashingstoattachthemtothelateralspars.Sincethelashingsareintendedonlytoholdthecrosssparsinpositionandnottosupportweight,youcanmakethelashingswitheither1⁄4-inchropeorparachutecord.

Step 4—Lashtheplankforthewalkingsurfaceinplaceusingstroplashingsaroundtheplankandthecrossspars.Tomakeastroplashing,tucktheendofalengthofparachutecordordoubled-overbindertwineunderthecrosssparand,pullingouttheslack,evenuptheends.Bringtheendsovertheplankandcrossthemunderthecrossspar.Wrapthembackovertheplankandaroundthecrosssparseveralmoretimes,finishingthelashingwithasquareknot.

Step 5—Afterassemblingthewalkway,placethebuttendonthebankofthecreekorravineandpositiontheotherendonthetrestle.Anchorthebuttendbydrivingstakesnexttothefirstcrosssparandusingstroplashingstosecurethelateralsparstothem.Theotherendofthewalkwaywillrestonthetransomsparofthetrestle.Usestroplashingstofastentheundersparofeachwalkwaysectiontothetransom.

wAlKwAyUNdeRSpAR

tRANSom

StRop lASHiNG

wAlKwAyUNdeRSpAR

StRop lASHiNG

4

5

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.Pioneering resources

Scouting LiteratureBoy Scout Handbook; Guide to Safe Scouting; Deck of First Aid; Emergency First Aid pocketguide;Basic Illustrated Wilderness First Aid; Be Prepared First Aid Book; Basic Illustrated Outdoor Knots; Deck of Knots; Knots and How to Tie Them;Camping, Climbing, First Aid, Model Design and Building, Textile,andWoodworkmeritbadgepamphlets

Books

Ashley,CliffordW.The Ashley Book of Knots.Doubleday,1976.

Biddlecombe,George.The Art of Rigging.Dover,1990.

Bigon,Mario,andGuidoRegazzoni.The Morrow Guide to Knots.WilliamMorrow,1988.

Budworth,Geoffrey.The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Knots.GlobePequotPress,2002.

———.The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots & Ropework.LorenzBooks,1999.

Day,CyrusLawrence.The Art of Knotting and Splicing.NavalInstitutePress,1986.

———.Knots and Splices.McGraw-Hill,1989.

Pawson,Des.Handbook of Knots: Expanded Edition.DKPublishing,2004.

———.Knot Craft: 28 Ropework Projects.ParadiseCay,2004.

———.Pocket Guide to Knots & Splices.ChartwellBooks,2001.

Perry,Gordon.Knots: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide to Tying Over 100 Knots.Barnes&NobleBooks,2002.

Salvadori,Mario;SaralindaHooker;andChristopherRagus.The Art of Construction: Projects and Principles for Beginning Engineers and Architects.ChicagoReviewPress,1990.

Smith,HerveyGarrett.The Arts of the Sailor: Knotting, Splicing and Ropework.Dover,1990.

———.The Marlinspike Sailor.McGraw-Hill,1993.

PioneeringResources

Visit the Boy Scouts of America’s official retail Web site (with your parent’s permission) at http://www.scoutstuff.org for a complete listing of all merit badge pamphlets and other helpful Scouting materials and supplies.

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96 PIONEERING

Pioneering resources.

Sweet,John.Scout Pioneering.ScoutAssociation,1974.

Toghill,Jeff.Knots and Splices.SheridanHouse,1998.

Toss,Brion.The Complete Rigger’s Apprentice: Tools and Techniques for Modern and Traditional Rigging.McGraw-Hill,1997.

AcknowledgmentsTheBoyScoutsofAmericathanksDanandGretchenWalters,Stoughton,Wisconsin,fortheirassistancewiththisneweditionofthePioneeringmeritbadgepamphlet.Theyweregenerouswiththeirtimeandknowledge,andtheirhardworkandpersistencehelpedformtherevisedrequirementsandshapethemanuscript.

ManyScoutersandavidpioneeringexpertsassistedwiththedevelopmentoftherevisedrequirements,andwearegratefulfortheirinput.AmongtheseindividualswereKenHammond,RichardJahn,MikeKleckner,KenKnowles,R.G.Kruger,BrianNulle,PaulOliphant,ClarenceOlson,BillSchrichte,andElaineWaraczynski.

Wearegratefultopioneeringleg-endAdolphPeschke,WestDesMoines,Iowa,forwritingthe1993editionofthePioneeringmeritbadgepamphlet.Mr.Peschke’sson,DonaldPeschke,alsowasinstrumentalinthedevelopmentofthe1993edition.Manyofthetech-niquesshowninthateditionwereadaptedforthe2006edition.

Photo and Illustration Credits

©Photos.com—pages12,13,15,17,18(all),20,21,and46

AllotherphotosandillustrationsnotmentionedabovearethepropertyoforareprotectedbytheBoyScoutsofAmerica.

EricBakke—page10

DanBryant—page11

JohnMcDearmon—pages24–27(all), 29–30(all),31(illustrations),32–39(all),41–45(all),47–50(all),53–56(all),57(illustration),60–61(all),62(illustrations),63(all),64(illus-trations),65(illustrations),66–69(all),79–83(all),and87–93(all).

ChristianMichaels—page14

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