Does a knot in the kite line really half its strength?

[consumer]

Does chewing on the line weaken it as well? Im afraid using my teeth on lines.

[edt]

Chewing it a good method because you can control the pressure. With a hammer to loosen the knot, it's hard to control how hard you hit it and also chewing it adds moisture which helps

[Eltreato]

The only time I've ever broken a line it was because there was a knot in it. I've had knots before and have made it through sessions with them in, but not knowingly. I've been able to undo every line knot I've ever had simply by soaking it for a few minutes, (I'm told it helps but am not certain it does) then just working at it with my fingers while watching TV

[OzBungy]

PS Why would line makers lie about knots in lines? All you have to do is remove the knot. You don't have to replace the line.

The technique for removing a knot is to compress the fibres, work the knot to loosen the loops, and possibly lubricate the line.

You can compress the fibres with gentle tapping with a hammer or chewing being careful not to actually gnaw on the line.

The tapping or chewing also works the loops. You can work it back and forth in your fingers if you need to.

A little water or saliva is fine for lubrication. Some people have used soapy water. Not sure about that one.

Never use pliers to pull the loops, unless they are already well loosened. The pliers slip and tear the fibres (and jam your fingers).

Never poke a needle or spike into the line. You just tear the fibres. If the loop is big enough to insert a spike through the opening then it's probably big enough to just keep working at with your fingers.

PPS In my experience the area where lines wear most is in the last foot or so where you knot it around the bar after wrapping up. There is a lot of friction in that last wrap and you get a lot of abrasion from untwisting and dragging and general handling. The lines discolour and get a bit fluffy.

[edt]

The only time I've ever broken a line it was

I've snapped 4 lines this year tore a leash in half & broke a board in two and the year isn't over yet, but my lines have never snapped where I chewed on a knot to undo it always somewhere else.

[Bille]

...
I've snapped 4 lines this year tore a leash in half & broke a board in two and the year isn't over yet,
...

DAMN Dude !!

Your Mom made some "Stout" children !!

Bille

[frankm1960]

If there's a knot in your line and your line breaks... chances are it snapped at the knot.
Only seen one broken line so far and that's where it broke... right at the knot.

I've used small needle nosed pliers to get knots out... works great. Just gently squeeze the knot, turning the knot to a different position each time you squeeze... comes lose fast. Better control with pliers I find. Can put some masking or electrical tape over the teeth or just use the smooth part of the jaws. Key is to keep rotating the knot around as you squeeze it... if you try it you'll see what I mean.

[Willboff]

See told you! Not so dull after all am I?

[airsurfer]

why knot

[Willboff]

damn missed out on that one