The Simple yet Ingenious Prusik Knot 

Yes, the line you use to tie the prusik should be small in diameter than the static line. Otherwise, the friction is too much, and it won't be able to slack up easily.

I’ve heard this many times, but I use the same diameter line to tie it to for camping purposes. Maybe wouldn’t want to trust my life on it, but it’s worked perfectly every time to hold my tarp tight on a ridge line. Wind, storms, etc. Haven’t had an issue yet.

@@kuhmpashun correct, for a non-critical task it's okay to use the same diameter and 2 wraps. But now if we are talking rescue access then you want the prussik to have 3 wraps (called a line brake) and for the prussik rope to be of a smaller diameter than the main rope.

Prusik knots like this are used on dynamic ropes all the time in rappelling. They grip like a vise on dynamic rope. More than enough to hold you in place without a mechanical break. ??????

@@mustardman5366 I was taught that the diameter of dynamic rope decreases when stretched. The decrease in diameter can change the aspect ratio to the prusik and potentially cause slippage. Typical prusik is 6.8mm rope. A standard 9.8-10.1mm rope should be fine but the lower diameter 8mm stuff could be an issue, particularly when stretched. Admittedly, I was taught all of this back in 1996 and last climbed in 2013 so maybe something has changed. Obviously you're still here so you probably have a valid point.

doesn't making more loop ➰ solve the problem?

years honestly, I dont know for sure if the friction gain would be enough or not. I always do a third loop regardless.

I tied the prusik to my ridge line, the wove a bamboo rod perpendicular to the ridge, through the net on either side, feeding it through the prusick loop as I went, until it was even on either side. Then pulled the prusick and rod up the ridge till the net was taught. The long rod distributed even tension across a wide area of the net.

You only need 3 wraps if you are using it in climbing and it's known as a line brake.

3 wraps is known as a line brake and is used in climbing. For most regular applications, 2 wraps is sufficient.

@@phoenixrising4073 what is your definition of an regular application? I’ve only used it as a brake, or an ascender. Without a load on it, 3 wraps slips and adjusts like butter. A Gibbs is 3 wraps, or it’s not a Gibbs.

@@herbiesnerd that's right, without a load it slips just fine. A regular application is anything non-critical like a light piece of gear or in some horizontal applications for camping. Have a nice day!

​@@herbiesnerd8.5 wraps just to be sure

Gut the 550 cord to use as a ridge line? Or gut the 550 cord used to make your prusik for better gripping because its thin???

​@@mustardman5366was poor 🤯 loll

@@marcandrews850- What exactly does "was poor" have to do with this??