Cord Lashing Methods in Woodworking

Projects for Lashing

• Cord lashing is useful and versatile, but is less permanent and not as strong as nails and screws or traditional joinery. In general, cord lashings are best used on lightweight projects, where the lashings will not be under serious strain or be required to bear heavy weight. The most common use of lashing today is in gardens, where cord lashings can be used to make bamboo lattices and trellises. In a backwoods or survival setting, where nails and screws are scarce or unavailable, lashing can be used to make temporary shelters, rafts, travois and tools.

Types of Cords

• Lashing can be done with any kind of sturdy cord. In a survival situation, cord made of animal sinew is very strong and doesn't need to be tied, since the sinew contains a natural glue and will harden as it dries. Cord made from rawhide is also strong and durable. In the home and garden, waxed lashing cord is a strong, weatherproof choice.

Square Lashing Method

• The square lashing method is used when the two poles cross each other at right angles. Hold the poles at right angles, then make a timber hitch using your cord, wrapping the line above and below both poles before you complete the hitch. Wrap the cord in three or four complete circuits, over and under the poles, in a square around the join. Then wrap it all the way around one pole, and do the same in the opposite direction. The cord should never pass diagonally across the center of the joint. Pull the cord tight. Secure the lashing with a half-hitch around one pole, and a clove hitch around one of its neighboring poles.

Diagonal Lashing Method

• If the poles do not cross at a right angle, use a diagonal lashing. Start by making a timber hitch around both poles, diagonally where they cross. Wrap the cord diagonally over the timber hitch four or five times, then bring the cord under one pole and wrap over the poles diagonally in the opposite direction. Then, make two or three circuits of the cord over and under the poles, in a square around the joint. Secure the cord with a clove hitch around any of the poles.