Tripod Lashing

Lay three poles alongside each other with the top of the center pole pointing the direction opposite that of the outside poles. Tie a clove hitch around one outside pole. Loosely wrap the poles five or six times, laying the turns of the rope neatly alongside one another. Make two very loose fraps on either side of the center pole. End with a clove hitch. Spread the legs of the tripod into position. If you have made the wraps or fraps too tight, you may need to start over.

Hold spars as in drawing. Place rope end in groove between spars. Wrap lightly a few times around spars and bring rope end up in groove. Finish with square knot and open legs of the tripod.

Lay the three spars on the ground laying in opposite directions. Starting at the middle of the rope, weave around the spars a few times with each rope end. Tighten with two frapping turns in the spaces between spars. Finish with square knot and swing middle spar over.

It may take a little practice to judge how tight the wraps should be made and still allow for the tripod to set up.