How to Tie the Arbor Knot (Canadian Jam Knot)
The Arbor Knot
The Arbor Knot, also known as the Canadian Jam Knot, is a binding knot used to create a secure, self-tightening attachment around an object. It is valued for its ability to cinch down firmly under tension, making it particularly useful for fastening lines to cylindrical objects, securing loads, and attaching rope to spools or reels. Because of this combination of simplicity, gripping power, and practicality, the Arbor Knot is commonly used in forestry, camping, fishing, and general rope-work applications where a reliable binding knot is required.
Other Names: Canadian Jam Knot
Arbor Knot Instructions
The Arbor Knot is a binding knot widely used to attach rope to tree trunks, secure lines to reels and spools, and fasten loads that benefit from a tightening action. Its structure consists of a running noose formed around the standing part of the rope, combined with a stopper knot in the tail that prevents the knot from pulling completely through. As tension is applied, the knot tightens around the object, increasing its grip and helping to prevent slippage. The Arbor Knot is included in The Ashley Book of Knots (ABOK #1114) and has long been recognized as a practical knot for creating secure bindings around round objects.
Despite the many uses for the Arbor Knot, the primary use is tying fishing line to the spool!
Key Considerations
Proper dressing of the Arbor Knot is important to ensure the knot functions as intended. The running loop should be formed neatly around the object, and the stopper overhand knot in the tail should be tied and tightened correctly. Careful dressing helps the knot tighten smoothly and distribute pressure evenly around the object being secured. As with all binding knots, the finished knot should be inspected before use to confirm that it is properly formed and securely tightened.
Advantages & Disadvantages
One of the key advantages of the Arbor Knot is its ability to grip tightly as tension increases. It can be tied quickly, requires minimal rope, and works well in situations where a secure attachment to a round object is needed. These qualities have made it popular among arborists, campers, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
However, because the knot relies on constricting force for its holding power, it should be matched appropriately to the rope material and application, and it is not generally intended for critical life-safety uses or loads where tension strength pulses or is invariable.
ABOK #1114 - The Noose Knot
The Canadian Jam Knot is featured once in Ashley’s Book of Knots. And be that under a different name, the Noose Knot. This is simply because it is a noose knot with a second Overhand Knot as a stopper! The entry under the Noose Knot name is as follows:
Abok #1114,
‘The NOOSE, NOOSE KNOT or the SIMPLE NOOSE is closely related to the OVERHAND KNOT, the final tuck of the NOOSE being made with a bight instead of a single end, as in the OVERHAND. It is often employed ashore, but seldom at sea, its simplicity being its greatest recommendation. It may be tied in the bight as well as in the end of a rope. Formerly it was much used in snaring birds and small animals and was commonly tied in horsehair or small wire. British poachers, I have been told, have preferred the RUNNING BOWLINE. But snaring has not always been confined to poachers. The Sportsman’s Dictionary of 1778 gives many pages of illustrations devoted to interesting methods of snaring both animals and birds. Even so late as 1893 snaring was not frowned on as now, and Dan Beard’s American Boy’s Handibook gives a number of interesting examples. A friend of mine who lives at a wharfhead in summer has liad rare sport in copying various old traps and snares from old sporting books, and by these means he has succeeded in exercising a fair control of his rat population, and has benefited the whole village.’
Disclaimer
The information on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, knot strength, security, and suitability can vary depending on rope type, condition, load, environmental factors, and how the knot is tied. Users are responsible for inspecting their equipment and verifying that a knot is appropriate for their intended use. Do not rely solely on the information provided here for activities involving personal safety, life support, climbing, rescue operations, heavy lifting, or other high-risk applications.
SCB Media Group assumes no responsibility or liability for any injury, loss, damage, or consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the knots and techniques described. Always seek professional instruction and follow applicable safety standards where appropriate.