The Woodland Zip Tie: Never Use Your Finger to Hold a Knot Again

[@barrybaldwin5535]

At 73 & having been an avid outdoorsman most of my adult life, I thought I had a good understanding of the best & most practical knot techniques, but I have never seen this cinch knot used on any other KZbin channel. Thanks for demonstrating this simple & effective knot. It's always a pleasure viewing your content.

[@nickfosterxx]

Seconded. It's barely even a knot, why did I not know this..?!

[@purdyboi8078]

Thirded. I know, right?!! No doubt

[@BjBnet]

Farted. Yup, gonna use this knot for sure. Wait, fourted, foured, forted 🤔

[@MrStevos]

Only 72 yrs old - ex boy scout & thought I knew my Knots? Thanks+ for this short helpful Video !

[@rjyetter3288]

Good knot but how do you untie it

[@richardjohnson7638]

I’m an Eagle Scout and sometimes I think I “know stuff” - what I really know is that I’d better stay teachable. This info. is gold, brother. Thank you! Keep up the good work - - Godspeed.

[@patleo123]

But this knot will become loose easily. Especially when the string is smooth type.

[@randyrussell6246]

@@patleo123 Finish it with a half hitch or slipery half hitch .......or just a oldfasioned square knot..

[@Devo491]

I'm a know-it-all myself, and treasure every last nugget of knowledge I find. This is a good one, and I'll be using it every time I have a bundle to secure.

[@Devo491]

Smooth cordage is the work of the Devil, my son! Suitable for macrame, perhaps, but not much else.

[@TesserId]

I got a copy of the Ashley Book of Knots a while ago. Yet, I learned this lesson when I found out there are still those inventing new knots out there. Never stop learning. And, never assume you can't learn from someone who knows less than you.

[@christophersteingart2237]

This is one of the handiest, easy to remember knots I’ve ever seen!❤

[@webwizard65]

Ditto...

[@ptwotwo2055]

clove hitch

[@loninappleton]

I differ on easy to remember. :-|

[@TesserId]

There an easier version used in cable-lacing for commercial use, in which both ends go through one side of the lark's head (which is a little faster), and then made fast by tying an overhand knot in the ends to bind against the lark's head. Workers using this method will tie hundreds of these in a day.

[@clintstinkeye5607]

You didn't mention how super duper easy it is to release the knot. That's one of my favorite knots, for sure.

[@steven.woodward]

Thanks for explaining that knot so carefully. My father worked in the shipping department at Sears . He tied that knot so fast it seemed like magic. I never thought to ask him to teach me. Every time I tie up an awkward bundle of sticks I wish I knew that knot. Now I do know it.

[@leh0rla]

This knot will now be part of the ones we teach to our scouts (132e scout group, St-Émile in Québec city). Thank you for showing us such a usefull knot! Merci et bonne journée!

[@DenKnob]

Thank you for sharing this! I put one end through the Lark's head as you show (at 3:13) and then put a loop in the second end before putting it through from the other side. It looks similiar to tying your shoelace and pulling one of the loops all the way through. Both free ends are then on one side and a simple tug on the end of the looped cord releases it without tools.

[@DianneLSmith-xk7ky]

Great idea, I'd just been wondering how hard it would be to untie, and thinking about how to make it a quick release.

[@motrock93b]

Yes. It’s difficult to untie, so I also tried a loop with good results. However, I think the way Dave demonstrates is more secure.

[@jswarpaint6215]

ya pull the top of the larkshead to untie ... but have not run many tests...

[@hanelyp1]

This knot is quick release even without the loop, just pull on one side in the right direction. Even tension from both ends keeps the larks head tight.

[@ayyonmichaels9731]

Omg... I was knot expecting the amount of simplicity and usability of this video... Thank you so much

[@papajeff5486]

Good, simple knot. I’m a tarp guy. Been using a tarp for 45-50 years. The one I carry is 8’ X 11’ and weighs 9 ounces and is waterproof. Over the years, I have used big tarps and little tarps. Was awakened at 02:00 to a gale with ripping rain. My grommet had ripped out of one corner. Tied in a pebble, back to the tree, stayed up and watched the storm. Moral to the story, respect the weather. If you use grommets, (a big IF in windy weather) use a ridge line, with bungee prusik loops from ridge line to grommet. The ridge line takes the majority of the wind stress. GET OUT THERE. Thanks for sharing.

[@redpillnibbler4423]

There’s something magical about simple knots that appeals to me on a primeval level.

[@jeffro.]

I know EXACTLY what you're talking about! When i was a kid, i absolutely LOVED sleeping outside in the back yard. Sometimes in a tent, often in a treehouse that i had built. (I was always tearing them down and re-using the lumber to build a new one in different trees, lol) One of the things i really enjoyed was when it rained! Even though, in my case, esp in a tent, i always got soaked. That's because our yard was on a slope, the tent didn't have a bottom, so the water always ran through the tent! But, i still enjoyed the sound. Inside, i would push my bed over against the window during the summer, and sleep with my head & upper body in the window sill, against the screen. That way, it was very much like sleeping outside. But i didn't get wet, even when it rained. You're right. It's amazing!

[@mikecollins9869]

I was just playing around with this knot, I realized that this knot will work amazing as a tourniquet!! Thanks Dan!!

[@COMB0RICO]

Constrictor knot is my go-to for that. But there does appear to be more leverage with this one. Constrictor is easier though.

[@WELLbethere]

Dude, thank you, you are so detailed and thorough with this stuff, I've taken two hoisting and rigging courses yet I never felt like I understood the knots that were being taught as well as you teach it. Some teachers it was like they were doing a magic trick with their hands and you could barely tell what you were supposed to do.

[@suzettefaircloth5037]

Thank you for the Mrs happy mention. We ladies are bushcrafters and watch you too.

[@alfredsilver8566]

This and the truckers hitch explaintion are two key knots that you’ve shared that I really like. The bushcrafters ratchet tie down is really cool as well the two previous are so so clutch. Thank you!!

[@NoNotThatPaul]

Literally seconds before Dan said it, I started practicing the knot on a pillow in my living room 😂

[@ritcheymt]

Wow. I coulda used this earlier today when binding a rolled up cargo strap in my enclosed trailer. I just showed it to my wife and she immediately recognized how we could have used this without me even hinting at it. Liked and saved. Thanks!

[@ravenwolf7128]

I love simple, effective knot tying--this is one of the easiest to remember--thank you!

[@jim-stacy]

My god I wish I could put it so well. Well said. Standing up for reasonable people. Respect to you Amir

[@jesseherbert2585]

Have to smile each time Dan says "stay in the woods". I live in the woods...

[@adamtresowski1130]

You just burned the memory of this knot into my brain - for a lifetime! AWESOME!!!

[@muzicgr8]

Definitely one of the best bushcraft channels hands down.

[@libbylandscape3560]

Interesting. I use to weave on a floor loom and used a similar knot to tie up my treadles, difference is the 2 loose ends BOTH went thru one side of the larks head TOGETHER, then tighten everything up, once tight tie the 2 loose ends into a simple bow (but don’t make the knot before the bow as you would if tying your shoe laces). That’s a Weaver’s Knot and it won’t slip no matter how much pressure is put on it, how many yards of fabric is woven, how fast, or how hard my feet hit those treadles, it won’t slip a millimeter. To loosen, release the tension on the warp (fabric lengthwise threads) and wiggle the bow away from the larks head so the bow can be readjusted or untied and pulled out. Thanks for posting! ❤

[@lyndaniel3369]

Thank you for emphasizing the difference between a natural tarp and a manmade one. Better to know than to not know. Avoiding mold and mildew is essential. Thank you especially for teaching this knot. I only know a few knots and can use a useful one!

[@gunnarisaksson8677]

That was a great and simple knot. I will remember this knot without problems. ❤❤❤

[@811stever]

Love your presentation style... It's like your talking to a good friend!

[@josephtucciarone6878]

At 1sr it didn't look like much. But after tying it a couple of times, wow. Simple & effective. I can add a lock by tying a single knot with one loop as a quick release if necessary. I don't need to buy more Velcro ties for my extension cords. Thank you. Name: Cow Hitch Lock Knot

[@teatonaz]

Not only a good secure knot and easy to remember, but appears it won’t be too hard to undo. Thanks, great for tying down a sleeping bag and many things.

[@hondoh5720]

It is hard to undo if you pull tight

[@daveschidlmeier6425]

As stated before. Instead of putting two ends thru the made double loop. Fold the end into a bow like a shoe lace, and place the loops thru the made double loop and pull tight. To untie just pull the exposed loop end. Just like a tied shoe lace !!!

[@0num4]

I can't tell you how many times I could have used this in the Army. Excellent tip. Thanks, from a dust time viewer!

[@robendert7617]

This is a knot I got aware of recently, and got the internet by storm. Rightfully so, as it is simple to use and effective. One of those things I've been missing all of my life before. Thank you for sharing, as this will be useful information for many others!

[@COMB0RICO]

Does it go by other names?

[@joshflint4268]

A very similar knot is used to tie up wire bundles in aircraft with wax string in places you might not want an actual ziptie. Instead of the tag ends coming through from opposite directions, they both come through on the same side. Then square knot and done. You can also make the larks head very quickly with your thumb and forefinger.

[@auntiecarol]

After being demobbed in 1945 my grandpa worked as an electrician for the National Coal Board in the UK. What he didn't know about cable lacing was not worth knowing- it really is/was a craft. Makes sense in places like aircraft, submarines, mines, heck even under one's desk in 2023!

[@TheGrandmaMoses]

Very informative video, amazing knot and the wrongest use of 'per se' I've ever heard, this gem had it all. Thanks for the upload!

[@Grenzkraft]

Tried it and tried it several times again to burn it into my memory. Great knot, I love it! Thank you very much! Cheers!

[@whiteinge]

Great video and really handy tensioning knot. You can tie the exact same knot on both ends of the cord (instead of the middle) for the same result, but with the roll constricted in two places and a carrying handle between them.

[@jimnordlund5701]

Sounds good but I think I need a video of this too, hehe. Don't really understand how you mean

[@danhle1032]

​@@jimnordlund5701agreed. How do u tie the exact same knot at the end of a rope when the video shows that the two ends of the rope are used to go thru the middle of the rope?

[@airwatching2]

this is not just great, it's also easy to remember. Thank you for posting it!!! greetings from Italy

[@zayas6999]

yep, thats how a cinched up pillow is supposed to look. (feeling all accomplished over here lol) thanks for the clear demonstration with your pov. this will for sure help out when camping/going to the beach. subscribed to your channel. cheers

[@blitzkriegfritz2779]

Thunderstorm-Comfort or Thunderstorm-Ease We have a German word called "Gewitterbehaglichkeit", which describes the feeling of comfort and ease that you feel when you can watch and hear a thunderstorm from a safe and dry place. That's what you just described.

[@geoffrey5493]

Really great video. Been watching you for years. At 74 I still manage to 'get out there', Life today is too compressive, Being in natural is the absolute best way to 'decompress' outdoors you cares have from horizon to horizon to spread your cares and concerns.

[@kevinismawayoflife4660]

Well, I did what you said. Practiced it on my pillow as soon as I finished watching. It cinched down great, but I found it a little hard to untie once it was under tension.

[@jimnordlund5701]

Get a hold of the two strands that you pulled to tighten it, but on the other side of the knot. On the tensioned end. Pull them apart. Maybe not easy if you tensioned a whole lot but should work.

[@torstenbehrendt870]

After being a sailor for decades I can still learn something new ... great.

[@ensidfkgnur]

Great that you showed up in my feed! That knot will be useful for more than just tarps!!

[@Seamus3051]

Priceless!! Never to struggle with a wet tarp again is wonderful🙂

[@anim8torfiddler871]

Beautiful Knot, Useful knot, demonstrated with economy and good humor. Doesn't make me want to camp in the rain, after all the carpenters and painters and roofers had the windows and doors open today, the first really cold day of this season. Brrrrr. I'm not even a little bit ashamed of being such a tenderfoot.

[@Magoo652]

Very handy knot, tarps have been the 1 constant over the years, a porch for the dome tent & cover for the swag, then a bivvy bag & now what I've settled on, the hammock. It can be set up bivvy style but rarely need to. Thanks for sharing.

[@10AntsTapDancing]

This knot is awesome, perfect for securing my mainsail to the boom while I motor back to the dock. It's not in any of my boating knots book. Thank very much :)

[@jakelilevjen9766]

Thanks for the tip! Seems quicker than my go-to, which is a trucker’s hitch. Pulls everything nice and tight, but can take some trial and error at times to get my loop in the right place.

[@deanaoxo]

As a kite flier, been using this knot forever. As a camper, even longer. This use is both innovative and amazing! Thank you!

[@bhatkat]

So what do we call it? Need to have a name so I can brag about it.

[@6panel300]

​@@bhatkat how about "the coalcracker knot"?

[@corvavw6447]

Wiel hoeft niet uit gevonden,is al gedaan. Wel verstandig om je met overleving bezig te houden.eten drinken slapen droog en warm blijven.Dat doe ik al 70jaar ,verveelt nooit😂🎉

[@JDRedstone]

Great video! Whats the correct way to undo the knot?

[@matthewpeterson3329]

This is my question too. I have learned that some of the most effective and quick cinching knots are not always easy to undo. A particular trucker's knot comes to mind, that works awesome on 1/2" rope, but on smaller cord, it's a one time use because you are getting your knife out to get it loose.

[@craighouchins3116]

​@@matthewpeterson3329m ok ,

[@JDRedstone]

Been there. 👍🤠

[@randy-9842]

I have the same question after trying this one. It's a bit more work, but instead of running the free ends of the cord through the Larks Head, I made two "bunny ears" with the free ends and ran them through -- it ends up looking like tied shoe laces and it comes undone with a simple tug on the free ends. Holding everything in place as you're tying it is a bit more difficult though. I like this knot, but I'm open to better ideas for undoing it!

[@fonimer]

Just pull on the two "free" ends in reverse to the way you inserted them. It loosens right up.

[@jdtwelve12]

Like darned near every one of your videos, this is practical, useful, clear and entertaining.

[@lsteiner]

This is the handiest knot I have never heard of! Thanks muchly!

[@mutantthegreat7963]

Been lookking for a knot like this to tie up all sorts of stuff for ages! thanks..!

[@brionbearclaw7476]

Loving the medieval pennannular brooch / blanket pin.

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

Excellent knot! Having slept under a tarp in the rain before, I've since concluded I'm good carrying a tent. But it is something everyone should try at least once, even if you don't intend on being a bushcraft expert. I'm certainly not one.

[@eb1138]

Cool knot, man. Thank you for taking the time to produce this. Nicely done.

[@peterbathum2775]

u had me at traditional oil cloth on a knots video. ive used the larks head for a long time, but never knew the name. used to do alot of stage rigging for a counter weight system of linesets. curtains like tying your shoe, scenery cables to the bottom of it, the... bowline for the counterweight lift line, and clove, all manner of hitches, truckers hitch for drawing a line tight but pulls out with a slip knot.. thanks.

[@petejohnson6498]

Funny you mention sleeping under a tarp in the rain... Just got back from a night in the woods in which I experienced a thunderstorm. Stayed nice and dry and the experience was great! (Other than a bolt of lightning hitting right outside my tarp just as I was dozing off...) Great idea for a knot! I'll have to use that next time.

[@JBplumbing12]

Aluminum tent poles make me nervous during thunder and lightning storms.

[@petejohnson6498]

@@JBplumbing12 Fortunately, I didn't have any tent poles. Just a tarp on a paracord ridgeline. stakes are wood. But I would agree, hanging out next to tall metal objects in a lightning storm has a high degree of pucker factor.

[@JBplumbing12]

@@petejohnson6498 Sure does.

[@hokudadog7637]

This is FANTASTIC! Great roll tie!

[@TokinWhiteKid]

I live in PA just a little south of you in Pottstown. I'm over this wet winter and looking forward to some warmer weather. The winters would be nice if we actually got snow but these rainy winters are not fun whatsoever. This is a great tip for tying gear up, I will be sure to use this in the future! Thanks again for another great tip!

[@slolerner7349]

Easy to remember, Super useful, and Never seen it before. It's been a long time since i've checked those three boxes

[@B25gunship]

I use this knot a lot. From tieing off anything you may want to roll up. I especially use it for extra clothes when I go deer hunting in upstate NY. I tie them with paracord and attach to the bottom of my backpack. He's getting the same crappy spring we are. I was in the Navy during Vietnam but never had a large need for lots of knots being a radioman but have learned many in just the last 5 years. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

[@samthai818]

Absolute easiest adjustable knot to tie!!! Thank you Coalcracker!

[@slashsplat]

Great knot. So many times I needed that. I use paracord to tie 3" and 4" ratchet straps and this will come in SO handy.

[@jl-rt5it]

Never use your finger to hold a knot. "Now put your finger here..." Just Kidding... very useful knot! Thanks for the demo!

[@dannyhardesty3692]

Great knot! Thanks for the video! At first I had trouble untying the knot then I figured it out with the right parts of the rope to pull to relieve tension.

[@madbrowndog4887]

Very useful knot - I just cinched it down on my thigh while watching the vid. Happily, it's easy to loosen!

[@haroldmedalen6757]

I had never seen this knot before, but I tried it and it works great. Thanks!

[@peetiegonzalez1845]

That is one of the simplest most genius knots I've ever seen.

[@colincrooky]

Brilliant! But I remember holidaying in caravans - no tarps there but the sound of the rain on the roof was amazing so I know what you mean. Great video and knot, thank you.

[@MasterYoist]

Good video and knot. It's basically a "Lark's Head" with the 2nd working end also fed through the loops.

[@randallmacdonald4851]

I've never seen a Lark's Head used like that. Wow. Learn something every day! Thanks.

[@mikekuczynski1552]

Nice . I hate taking camp down in the rain , It just sucks . You get to set it all up again and dry it off , unless your going someplace else and it’s still raining. More fun . Thanks for sharing

[@speckdratz]

I've used the lark's head in its regular fashion (both loose ends enter the loop from the same side) my entire life. First time I see _this_ version and it is as simple as it is amazing. Thank you!

[@COMB0RICO]

Does it go by any other names?

[@congamike1]

It is said that when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. So, I wathced this tutorial this afternoon. Put that knot to work three times this evening. Thank you sir!

[@zugmeister314]

Spend the night in a hammock under a tarp with rain falling. It's awesome!

[@joeyhardin1288]

Dang, heck of a great knot!!! Well go look at the tarps. Thank you. God Bless and stay safe.

[@kennethfisher7013]

I once spent 6 days under a tarp in the rain with my wife and two small children, so relaxing.

[@tomhammer1784]

Dry out your canvas tarps. What I learned in Boy scouts 65 years ago. The old canvas wall tents that we used to set up and dry in our troop’s storage garage before folding and storing. Today’s scouts with the synthetic material tents likely and luckily do not need to know that. Great knot that should have been a Tenderfoot requirement.

[@earlshaner4441]

Good morning brother from Syracuse NY USA and thank you for sharing your adventures

[@WhiteTiger333]

What? How did I not know about this knot?! Thank you so much - it will be versatile for so much! And I'm sharing this video on my Facebook page.

[@JPMerolla001]

Since my oil cloth tarp is the most expensive single piece of gear i carry.... i dont care if i pack it wet and get the other stuff wet. As long as my tarp is safe. Secure. And happy and snug. Keep your tarp HAPPY! PS... I THOUGHT I was the only bushcraft/camper that hated hiking. Haha. Just enough hiking to get to a good backwoods camp spot. ❤

[@TesserId]

I do it the cable-lacing method, which is a little bit faster, by pushing the pair of ends through the larks head from one side. You then tighten by pulling the ends apart (after cinching up the larks head). To make it fast so that it won't slip, you make an overhand know with the two ends and cinch that down as well. Those doing cable lacing in telephone offices and other electronics do this hundreds of times a day. I've come to use this in probably 95% of my bundling tasks, with other bundling knots coming used rarely. Finally, you can slip the overhand knot if you want to make it easy to undo.

[@Tin_bAnger]

Sweet and simple! Thank you for the cliff note answer!

[@MayorOfGoodells]

Nice trick. This helped lots when I cut, rolled, and tied some carpet to take to the road

[@jasontraska2616]

Great tutorial Dan! I've started carrying a 6' piece of paracord to practice knots when it's slow at the office. Time to practice bundling up the jacket.

[@Oligodendrocyte139]

Just don’t practice hangman’s nooses. People start calling HR...

[@zwanzigbier]

I like this new binding ! It's similar in function and cinching to a grocers bend. I'll be trying this soon !

[@jimnielsen9642]

Love this knot - because I think I will be able to recall it. About releasing it - Instead of just pulling the ends through - could I pull loops through? And to release just pull the loops?

[@shireboundscribbles]

Nice and nifty knot, cheers. Also I share your view of summer....

[@laz0rama]

great hint! i am a big rope guy, love learning new knots. this one is super useful, thanks my man!

[@nickcosta8062]

Love your vids.. Always fun to watch.. You and Shawn Kelly are my favorites...

[@anthonybush607]

Great, quick video with a handy knot. Subscribed as a result.

[@lostbuffalo196]

Never seen this knot before, but I can see where it could be used for LOTS of application. THANK YOU

[@rafiqarbab8461]

Always love to see you guiding us with new things.

[@sethgamba2840]

Saw this about a month ago and just had a reason to use it. Love this knot! Easy in, easy out, does the job.

[@harryhalfmoon]

Very nice. I have not seen this knot anywhere before; Looks like one for my standard set of knots. Thank you very much!

[@gabriele8801]

What is the difference between this and a standard knot?

[@selianboy8508]

pop a couple of loops in there and you will be able easily open it up too. I was shown this by an African tracker (yes literally) when I was about 14 years old in Tanzania... I must admit that I had totally forgotten all about it... I am 63 now btw! Many thanks for the reminder.

[@jack002tuber]

Neat knot and so simple. If you can do a lark's head, you can do this. Sweet

[@ralphjones4355]

Great knot. I remembered it a few week later on a hiking/survival exercise and used to tie up my raincoat with #36 tarred bank line. However, when I got home, it was almost impossible to get out. I needed my glasses, a small marlin spike, and a lot of patience! Questions: what is the best way to remove this knot? What cordage is recommended so the knot is more easily removed?

[@gibbogle]

Yeah, that important part is missing.

[@chrisholt2474]

Fantastic knot, thank you, kind regards, Chris from UK.

[@RobertSeviour1]

Hey, I just tried it - and it works a charm. I have plenty of uses, so big thanks, thumb up and subscribed.