Get knot out of flying line?

Ike · Since 12 Mar 2008 216 Posts Central Oregon Stoked

I just bought a used set of lines that have an established knot in one of the flying lines. Any tricks to loosening this up to get it out or is it OK to just leave it?

Mark · Mon Mar 31, 08 5:02 pm

Don't leave it. I thought I read somewhere that knots reduce the strength of the line alot. Soak it in water ( or use your mouth ) keep working it. It will come out.

update:
Strength -- This refers to how a knot weakens the breaking strength of the line. The twists, loops, and turns of a knot place unequal stress on the line which reduces the line's breaking strength. In general, knots reduce a line's breaking strength by about 50% (Jacobson 1999).

http://www.geospectra.net/kite/knots/knots.htm

Chooch · Mon Mar 31, 08 5:27 pm

Try to pound the knot with a hammer. Go at it from a few different spots on the knot. It has worked on all the knots I have had trouble with. Old rock climbers trick....

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

I just crush it with my back teeth a little bit. That usually loosens it up, but the hammer idea is probably better. Not sure if you want to keep using that line though. Might be safer to replace it.

shredjim · Since 07 Jun 2006 188 Posts Stoked

Most lines can live through a knot or two. The hammer idea is good, but here is the procedure. Soak the line in water for a while until it is good and wet - ie soaked. Take the hammer and pound it SOFTLY on a real hard surface - like a concrete step. Take a needle and poke it through the knot holes, ie NOT through the line. If the knot holes are not exposed, re-soak and gently beat with the hammer again. Once the needle goes through a hole in the knot, wiggle it loose - piece of cake Thumb's Up

Then inspect the line where the knot was for damage, it will be visible if it is damaged. If damaged replace, if not go ride!

Ike · Since 12 Mar 2008 216 Posts Central Oregon Stoked

Thanks for the tips, took some time but it came out.