What should you do if you find a knot that has become jammed?

When dealing with a jammed knot, the best approach is to manipulate the rope gently to work it loose. This method involves carefully pulling and adjusting the sections of the rope to reduce tension and create movement, which can help to unravel the knot without damaging the rope itself. Manipulating the rope respects its integrity and ensures that it remains usable for future applications.

Using tools to force a jammed knot open can lead to damage to both the knot and the rope. It may also compromise the strength of the rope, rendering it unsafe for use. Similarly, pouring lubricant might seem like an option to ease the knot, but it can create a mess and may not effectively solve the problem. Cutting the rope should be considered a last resort, as it permanently damages the equipment and often leads to needing a replacement. Therefore, working the knot loose through gentle manipulation is a technique that preserves the rope and is vital in emergency situations where equipment must remain reliable.