| How to Tie a Loop Knot Posted: 23 Jun 2022 05:00 PM PDT It's easy to create a loop on the end of a thread or line for a loop knot. These types of knots are particularly useful in fishing for attaching the hook to the line. Some common loop knots you can try are the Kreh loop knot, which can keep your line from snagging, and the perfection loop knot, which is an easy, tight knot. The surgeon's loop knot is a great beginner's knot since it relies on movements you likely already know. [Edit]Using a Kreh Loop Knot - Make an overhand knot. Cross the end of the thread back over itself. Leave about of thread toward the end of the line. Wrap it around the other side, and then pull the end back towards you through the middle of the loop. Tighten it up until the loop is a bit smaller than a dime.[1]
- This knot is also called the non-slip knot. It's a tight knot, and it doesn't snag on weeds when fishing because the tag end of the line faces down towards the hook.
- Thread the hook on if you're using one. If you're using the knot for fishing, push the end of the string through the eye hole in the top of the hook. Pull the hook toward the knot you made earlier.[2]
- Push the end of the thread back through the loop. Keep the hook between the end of the line and the loop. Thread the end of the line back through the loop and up toward the main, longer part of the line.[3]
- When choosing where to push the thread through, pick the side that's facing slightly downward toward the end of the thread.
- Wrap the thread around itself. Moving up the line toward the main part of the thread, take the tail end of the line and wrap it up and around the main part of the line 3-5 times. Turn the end back toward the bottom, and slip it through the loop again.[4]
- This time, push it through the side of the loop that's facing slightly upward toward the rest of the thread.
- Tighten and adjust the loop. Pull on the end of the line slightly to tighten it and then add a little bit of water on the main part of the knot so you don't burn the line against itself. Pull on it until the knot tightens up completely, and chop off the end, leaving less than .[5]
- To adjust the loop, pull on the end of the thread to make the loop smaller. Pull on the main part of the line to make the loop bigger.
[Edit]Making a Perfection Loop Knot - Create a simple loop by passing the line behind itself. It's easier to do this loop on a table the first time. Lay the line out, and bring the end of the thread up toward the main part of the line. Pass it underneath the main line, creating a loop.[6]
- You'll need to leave enough room at the end of the line to make another loop, so leave at least .
- Pass the end of the loop back over the top end of the other loop. Pick up the end of the line. Pass it over the main line again, including the top of the loop you just made. Create a second loop by tucking the end underneath the main line. The second loop will overlap the top of the first loop, like scales.[7]
- If you want to add a hook, thread it onto the second loop before you pass the end of the line underneath the main line.
- Bring the end of the line between the 2 loops you've made. Cross the end over the main line again, but make it go between the edges of the other loops you've made. The end should come out the other side.[8]
- Be careful not to stab yourself if you've added a hook to the line.
- Pull the second loop through the first loop you made. Stick your fingers through the first loop. Grab the edge of the second loop, including the hook. Pull it over the line you just pulled to the other side and out through the large loop.[9]
- The second loop becomes the main loop of the knot.
- Tighten the knot. Make sure the hook is where it needs to be. Pull on the end of the line and the loop end until the knot forms. Keep pulling to tighten it up, completing the knot.[10]
[Edit]Tying a Surgeon's Loop Knot - Pull the end of the line back up toward itself. You're going to double the line on itself to create this knot. Therefore, tug the end of the line back toward the main part of the line.[11]
- Add the hook to the line now, keeping it at the bottom of the loop you just made.
- Be sure to leave at least to tie the knot.
- Make an overhand knot with the doubled line. Keeping the doubled line against itself, wrap the new "end" (which is now a loop) over the line and back around the other side. On the other side, push the end through the circle you've just created and out the other side. Tighten it up slightly.[12]
- Wrap the "end" back through the overhand knot again. Take the loop end and wrap it around the back of the overhand knot. Pull it back through the overhand knot a second time. Tighten up the knot.[13]
- The loop you've been using as the "end" of the line now becomes the main loop.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Line or thread
- Fishing hook, optional
- Water, optional
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Build a Chicken Run Posted: 23 Jun 2022 09:00 AM PDT Are your chickens cooped up but you want to let them run outside? A chicken run, or an outdoor pen attached to the coop, will help solve your problems and protect your birds from any predators that may be lurking about. With standard tools and supplies that you can pick up from your hardware store, you can build your own safe enclosure and let your birds roam! [Edit]Planning the Size and Location - Create at least of outdoor space per chicken. Count how many chickens you have and calculate the total area your run needs to be. For example, if you have 10 chickens, you would need minimum for your chickens to be comfortable.
- Build your chicken run larger than you need if you plan to grow your flock in the coming years.
- Plan the layout of your run next to your chicken coop. Lay boards on the ground to get an idea of the shape and size your chicken run will be. Aim to make the sides similar in length rather than long and narrow. This gives your chickens more room for roaming around.
- Measure the planned length and width of the run to find the total area. Compare the area of the chicken run to the minimum requirement for the size of your flock.
- Make sure one of the sides aligns with the small door built into the coop so the chickens can get in and out. If your coop doesn't have a small door, cut one into the side with a saw.
- Think about where you want to install the gate so you can access the run easily.
- Account for how tall you need to make your run. You should comfortably be able to walk in and out of the run once it's finished, so it should be over tall.
- Keep the run in the shade in warmer climates. Temperatures consistently over can be lethal for chickens if they're in direct heat.[1] Chickens adapt to the cold better than the heat, so make sure the run isn't in direct heat. Build your run so it has tree cover or another source of consistent shade throughout the day.[2]
- Let the run get full sun in cooler climates. Chickens can easily survive in low temperatures, but they don't want to be cold all of the time. If you live in a climate that gets below often, make sure your run isn't shaded.[3]
- Find an area that gets even amounts of sun and shade throughout the day if you live in a climate that gets extreme highs and lows.
[Edit]Placing Posts and Building the Frame - Dig a hole deep for your first fence post. Place the first fence post about from your coop so you can place a gate there. Use a shovel or a post digger to make a hole that is on each side.
- Make sure your fence posts are at least tall.
- Place a layer of gravel on the bottom of the hole to protect the post's end from moisture.
- Opt for a rot-resistant wood like cedar or white oak for your fence posts and supports.
- Set the post in the hole and pack the soil back in. Hold the pole firmly while you fill it back in with the dirt you removed. Compact the dirt with the bottom of your shovel or with your foot around the entire post. Use the extra dirt to form a mound around the bottom of the post to keep it in place.
- Make concrete to fill your hole to keep your post from rotting in the future if you want.
- Space the other fence posts from one another. Use a tape measure to make sure the fence posts are equal distances apart so your chicken run has even support. Make sure the posts on opposite sides are in line with one another. Dig a hole and place the posts until they're all set.
- If your run is larger than wide, put a fence post inside the run for an added support beam. Make sure the post is in line with the outer posts on each side.
- Saw the tops of the fence posts to the same height if they aren't on level ground. Use a handsaw and a level so all of your posts are the same height. Make your chicken run at least tall so you can easily walk inside.
- Attach boards across the top of the run. Run the boards horizontally so they go from one fence post on one side to a post on the other side. Use a drill with the screwdriver bit attached to attach wood screws to the top of the fence posts.
- If you have supports in the middle of your run, make sure to attach screws to them as well.
[Edit]Installing the Fencing - Use welded wire to keep out predators. Calculate the area of fencing you need by measuring the height and length of one side of your run and multiplying them together. Add to each height measurement as excess. Repeat this for each side as well as the top of the run and add the areas together to find the total amount of fencing you need.
- Fencing can be purchased at your local hardware or farm animal care stores.
- The wire is small enough so raccoons, foxes, and weasels are kept out of your run and coop.
- If you have larger predators in your area, such as bears, use a chain link dog fence wrapped in smaller welded wires to protect your birds.
- Fencing on top of the chicken run will help protect your flock from owls, hawks, and other predatory birds.
- Dig a deep trench around the perimeter of your run. Use a shovel to dig your trench. Place the bottom of your fence in the trench on the outside of the fence posts and fill the dirt back in. Having your fence below the ground will protect your flock from digging animals like foxes and coyotes.
- Staple the fence every to the fence posts. Wrap the fence horizontally around the outside of the fence posts. Use a staple gun or a hammer to drive U-shaped staples into the fence posts. Place the staple in the middle of the post so that the ends of the staple go into 2 different links.
- Leave a gap in the fencing where you plan to hang your gate.
- Lay the fence on top of the run. Use a ladder to reach the top of your run and cover the entire area with fencing to keep out flying or climbing predators, like hawks or raccoons. Staple the fence on top of the posts you've set in the ground to secure it.
- Frame your fence with boards to secure it. First, screw horizontal supports on the top, middle, and bottom of each fence post so the fence is sandwiched between the wood. Use your drill and wood screws to keep the boards in place and make sure they are flush with one another. Then add boards vertically between the horizontal supports by screwing them in every .
[Edit]Adding Finishing Touches - Install a gate with a spring so the door shuts automatically. Attach 2 hinges from the top and bottom of the fence post with screws and a drill. Hang the door so the bottom is flush with the ground. Screw in the hinges on the side of the door to attach it. Hook one end of a hooked spring to the fencing on the gate and the other end to the fencing of your run.
- Gate doors can be purchased or built on your own.
- Make sure the door opens out from the run. Otherwise, the spring won't force the door closed.
- Make sure the spring is tight and unstretched. This way, the gate will snap back into place after it's been opened.
- Line the bottom of the run with straw or a bedding alternative. Spread chopped straw evenly on the ground of the run so your chickens feel comfortable while they are outside. Alternatives to straw are leaves, construction-grade sand, or wood shavings.[4]
- Chopped straw can be purchased at your local farm care store.
- Rake your leaves into the run in the fall once they start to fall for free outdoor bedding.
- Change the bedding once it starts to smell or once it looks soiled.
- Place a container of food and water inside the run. Cover the top of the feeder with foil so your chickens can't get into it and so it is protected from the elements. Hang a chicken waterer from one of the supports on the top of your run with an eye-bolt so the water stays clean.[5]
- If your coop has enough space, keep your food and water inside to protect it from the elements and mold. Make sure the chickens all can fit comfortably inside along with them.
[Edit]Warnings - Predatory birds or climbing predators will try to access your chickens through the top of the run. Cover it with fencing as well to make sure your birds are protected.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Shovel or post digger
- fence posts
- Gravel
- Tape measure
- Handsaw
- boards
- Wood screws
- Drill
- welded wire fencing
- U-shaped staples
- Staple gun or hammer
- Food and water containers
- Straw
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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