Discuss when you should and should not use lashings.

[Goatdoc]

I must be missing the boat. Where in the book is this question answered. I believe that in a previous edition of the handbook there was a reference to this but not spelled out specifically in the current edition. Please enlighten me... First class requirement 7a.

[ManyIrons]

In my copy of the handbook (11th ed., 5th printing) the answer is on the bottom of pg 137:

 

"Obtain permission before building camp gadgets or other structures -- they are prohibited in many backcountry areas as a way of encouraging no-trace camping.

 

Therefore, lashings should not be used in areas where they are not permitted (which probably qualifies this as a candidate for the "Vague but True" Hall of Fame).

 

Don't feel bad, this one drove me to distraction for a while too.

 

[MaScout]

We answer it more in terms of which lashings are used for which jobs...like what you would use a tripod lashing for or when do you use a square lashing as opposed to a diagonal lashing for example.

[Goatdoc]

I seem to remember some reference to saftey...

[CA_Scouter]

We only use 'lashings' now when the adults interfere with the boy leadership.

 

harhar... :-)

 

 

[ronvo]

Remember CA - no more than 40!

 

 

[ManyIrons]

I checked my son's copy of the 10th edition, and it doesn't have a requirement to discuss when/when not to use lashings. The introductory text is virtually identical to the current edition -- along with the admonition about obtaining permission before building structures.

 

The only mention I see of safety is a small text box labelled "Triangle Principle In Lashings" which advises the user to incorporate triangles into their designs to ensure the lashing projects are "safe and steady".

[Theyoungeagle]

The way I learned it about 5 years ago is that lashings are to be used when the structure being made is a tempoarary structure (such as a clothes rack for a campout or a gateway at summercamp). Lashings should not be used on a long lasting structure (such as a bridge) because the weather and other wear and tear on the rope could cause the lashing to break and cause the structure to collapse.

[EagleInKY]

When should you?

 

- When the structure is temporary

- When you have the materials (rope, poles)

- When you want to use existing (natural) materials instead of cutting, nailing or otherwise constructing something.

- When you don't have other materials (nails, screws, tools, etc.)

- When you're working on Pioneering Merit Badge.

 

When should you not?

 

- Permanent structures

- When you can't build it to support the necessary weight (i.e. it's not safe)

- When you don't have the proper eqiupment (good rope, large enough poles, etc.)