How to make a capstan knot for the same threshing machine?
→ Step-by-step pare battage knot
The capstan knot, a classic mooring knot, is particularly easy to tie. It is particularly useful for securing a fender on board. Here's a step-by-step guide to tying a fender knot like a pro:
1/ Start with a dead turn around the support (bar, die...).
2/ Pass the current over the frame.
3/ Continue turning in the same direction.
4/ Form a key by passing the current under itself.
5/ Tighten by pulling simultaneously on the current and the frame.
☑️ Go further down the page to discover how to make a knot for the same beating with our detailed tutorial and pictures.
→ The pare battage knot, essential on board
Among the marine knots you absolutely must know, the capstan knot takes pride of place. Also known as two capelin half-keys, an artificer's knot or a boatman's knot, it is used to secure a to a cylindrical element such as a post, cleat, pulley, mast or capstan.
Sailors, whether sailing or motoring, use it mainly to strike a mooring line on a or to attach a fender to a die or balcony. Its simple yet ingenious design makes for reliable, quick-action tying, even with just one hand. Be careful, however, that your pare battage knot remains under tension, otherwise it tends to slip. So it's often a good idea to secure it with an additional half-key.
It's this ease of use, combined with excellent holding power, which explains why the pare battage capstan knot has become the standard pare battage knot. It's commonly used on board to tie fenders to a lifeline, handrail or other support, to protect the boat's hull from impact when you're docked or at anchor.
→ What is a capstan knot?
A capstan knot is a marine fender knot used, among other things, to securely attach fenders to a fixed boat structure. It needs to be strong, easy to tie and, above all, quick to adjust according to the situations encountered during navigation.
The capstan knot is also appreciated in many outdoor sports, such as climbing, mountaineering, first aid and even horse riding. It is used to secure boat ropes to fixed supports while ensuring excellent resistance under tension.
It's a blocking (non-sliding) knot, very useful on sailboats, especially for securing a efficiently. However, if not kept under tension, this fender knot can loosen. Conversely, after heavy pulling or prolonged tying, it can become difficult to untie, especially if the diameter of the end is smaller than that of the support. In such cases, pliers, a needle or a marine knife may be needed to free the rope.
To prevent unintentional slippage, we recommend securing the capstan knot with an additional half-key. And don't forget: to tie a capstan knot correctly, you must always turn it in the same direction. Finally, we recommend using a to attach fenders to the boat.
Capstan and other marine knots
The capstan knot is undoubtedly the most reliable pare battage fastening knot, but there are other useful marine knots, depending on the situation:
▪️ Chair knot: perfect for creating a fixed loop. Very strong, but more complex to tie.
▪️ Cleat knot: ideal for securing a to a deck or quay , but not practical for a pare battage.
▪️ Double capstan knot: adds a turn for extra strength, useful in case of strong boat movement.
The capstan knot is particularly appreciated because, at a glance, you can check whether it has been correctly tied or not (a real advantage on board, saving time and efficiency when maneuvering).
To learn how to tie other essential marine knots, take a look at our in the marine bookshop section.
→ Easy tutorial for tying a pare battage knot
The pare battage capstan knot is very simple to tie, even for the uninitiated, whether sailing or at anchor. Caper two half-keys directly onto the support, the second of which is mirrored to the first.
☑️ If you're able to tie a capstan knot with your eyes closed, take a look at our buying guide for
for your boat.1/ Choose your rope
Use a rope with a diameter suited to the weight of your fender and the support you've chosen. A length of around 1 metre is ideal for feeling comfortable on board.
2/ Make a first dead turn around the support
First, wrap your around it to form a complete loop.
3/ Make a second turn
Pass the end around the support again, crossing over the first turn. It is this crossing that gives the capstan knot its clamping force.
4/ Form the key
Pass the free strand under the second turn you've just made.
5/ Tighten your pare battage knot
Pull firmly on both ends: this secures the pare battage knot. Check that it stays in place and under tension to ensure that your fenders stay in place.
→ Everything you need to know about the pare battage knot
➡️ What is a pare battage knot and what is it used for?
A pare battage knot is a marine knot designed to secure a , in order to protect the hull from shocks during mooring. The pare battage capstan knot is the most widely used for this purpose, thanks to its simplicity and strength under tension.
➡️ What's the best knot for tying pare battage?
As mentioned above, the capstan knot is the most recommended pare battage knot. Fast to tie and reliable, it's ideal for all configurations on board. For added safety, a double capstan knot or a half lock can be added.
➡️ What's the difference between a capstan knot and a double capstan knot?
The classic capstan knot comprises two crossed turns. The double capstan kn ot adds an extra turn to distribute tension more evenly and increase strength, useful in rougher conditions.
➡️ What can a fender be attached to?
A fender can be attached to a , a cleat, a pulley, a balcony or a . The most important thing is to choose a suitable support to prevent slipping and ensure good protection of the boat's hull.
→ Capstan knot, your best ally before docking
The pare battage knot, especially in its classic form of capstan knot, is an indispensable tool for any navigation enthusiast, whether to protect the hull of your boat with a or for other outdoor activities such as climbing or mountaineering.
Thanks to its fast execution, reliable hold under tension, and versatility, it deserves to be mastered by all sailors, beginners and experienced alike. Practice your capstan knot several times on a stable surface before using it in real sailing conditions, to avoid losing a fender while maneuvering.
