will line pop with knot?

[perroloco]

My 14m kite has a single knot half way up a line. This knot is imposible to untangle because the line tension while riding has made it incredibly tight. Trying to untangle with a needle will risk the line. Is my kite more vulnerable to a line poping because of this?
thanks

[Windrider]

My understanding is that a knot in the line will weaken the line at that point by somewhere around 25%- 30%... pretty much. The have been several discussions on ways to get out knots. I've successfully removed two knots that were in my line over several sessions and ultra tight. It is possible to get the knot out without damaging the line.


Here's a starter link:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2346378

[prayfawind27]

from what i understand it will. In the past i just chew that thing loose or used a rubber hammer and lightly tap it till it comes loose enough.It's always best to be safe than sorry so my advice is to really try to take it out if not then replace it.

[AndrewJMcGee]

I just had a knot in my lines! I used my mothers jewlery making needle nose pliers to get it out. I was careful not to pull the threads apart. If you have two pairs try it.....it might work for you.

Andy

Ps the pleirs were smaller than normal needle nose.

[OzBungy]

Yes. The line will definitely break at the knot. It's only a matter of time and not very long at that. Knots weaken lines by around 40%.

There is no such thing as a knot which cannot be undone.

What you have to do is compress the fibres a little where the knot is to make some slack.

The main methods of compressing the knot are to put the knot on a clean surface and gently tap it with a hammer, or gently chew on it.

Once it is a bit flattened and compressed you can see where the loop is and work it with your teeth or finger nails to open the loop and undo it. If you take the loop part and put it under your front teeth then gently push the through part with your lower teeth it will come apart easily.

Be really really careful if you try to use pliers. They slip and tear the fibres. They can also pinch your skin and that really hurts.

Other methods involve using a little detergent and rolling the knot around in your fingers. It all adds up to the same thing.

[RichardM]

Soak the knot. I have heard up to an hour but its worked for me within a few minutes. OzBungy's suggestion of using detergent sounds good in that making it more slippery might make it come apart easier.

While it's soaking, squish it gently over and over with a pair of pliers. You can then usually then get it apart with one or 2 small needle nose pliers. Sometimes really small vise grips help and some people also use small eyeglass screwdrivers.

Although not recommended, I have resorted to using a pin to help pull apart a stubborn knot that I was pissed at and apparently didn't do noticeable damage to the line.

Richard M.
Malibu Kitesurfing - since 2002
(310) - 430 - KITE (5483)
http://www.MalibuKitesurfing.NET
kfRichard@MalibuKitesurfing.NET

[scklandl]

again the soaking the knot wives tale

we use these lines BECAUSE THEY DONT ABSORB WATER!! soaking in short does knothing.

no. 1 ROUNDnose jewelers pliers. they wont tear anything afterall THEYRE round
10-30 seconds and the knots gone

its the fastest and best method

chewing is second best but your teeth will damage the the lines more
the hammer takes forever in comparison

[blowhard]

I've used needles and needle nose pliers
but after the fibers have been broken from the knot ,
it will be a weak point and break sooner.

Run your fingers down your lines when rigging and winding up
that way you will never get knots that are tight enough to break down the fibers

[FredBGG]

Hi Perrolocco

As others have said the knot will weaken the line and if it is a front line it will most likely break.

Lubricating the knot is essential to getting it out.

There is a product specific for lubricating and protecting lines, pullies and sail cloth.

It is called SailKote and you can get it from West Marine.

It is a dry lubricant that sprays on wet for penetration.

Spray it on the knot several times...... lots of quick sprays.

Then as others have suggested use one or two round nosed pliers for jewlers.

You can get them at Michaels art store. Buy two and return one when you are done.

Then give the knot a fresh spray and them manipulate the knot with the pliers.

At first sort of gently chew the knot with the pliers. Don't pinch it to hard.

When it's dry again spray it once more and repaet the gentle chewing.

The knot should losen up a bit and you should be able to pull it apart

with the two pliers.

One other tip...

Before undoing the knot mark the line with a sharpie just above and just below the knot so you can keep an eye on the area after you have removed the knot


If the knot has not been there for to long it should not have damaged the line.


Good luck

Fred

PS the Sailkote is a good thing to use on all the moving parts and friction points of your kites.
I use it on all my pullie lines, pullies, chickenloop line, and safety release.
It dramatically reduces wear.

[gbleck]

Yea the McLube SailKote and round nosed jewlers pliers is a good combination. I keep a can or two in my kite bag at all times. If you use a SLE, Bow or other pulley kite it's a must. Also you for the guys in the dental fields a bird beak plier is great if you have an old rusty one laying around. The round prong gets in to the knot and the flat holds it steady and can be used to apply pressure to flatten out the knot. Kind of expensive if you wanted to buy one though. May be you could take a chain nosed and a round nosed and make one out of less expensive jewelers pliers. Just remember to ask your wife first or don't get caught.