A monkey’s fist is a ball-shaped knot tied at the end of a heaving line. We explained what the knot is and how it works on a heaving line in our article What Is a Monkey’s Fist Knot? In this article we look at what to consider when buying a monkey’s fist, how to choose the colour and how to care for it after use.

First decide on the intended use

A monkey’s fist is used both for practical and for decorative purposes. If it will be used at the end of a heaving line or messenger line, it is important that the knot is sturdy and tightly tied. If it will be used as a keychain, lanyard or nautical-themed gift, colour and appearance come first.

Heaving line and messenger line end
Boat, yacht and marina use
Keychain, lanyard and decorative use
Nautical-themed gift items

Material

The Monkey’s Fist products at Fark Tedarik are hand-tied from polypropylene rope. Polypropylene is light, floats on water, does not rot and is resistant to moisture. These properties make it easier to use the knot at sea or in damp environments. In models with a heavy core inside, the ability to float may change, so it is worth asking what is inside the knot when buying.

Choosing the colour

The product is available in 7 colours: black, red, blue, white, green, orange and navy blue. The following questions can help you choose a colour.

Should the knot be easy to spot on deck or in the water? In that case choosing a colour that contrasts with the surroundings makes things easier.
Should it match the colours of the boat or the crew? This is a common choice for decorative use and gifts.
Do you have more than one heaving line? Using a different colour for each line makes it easier to tell which line is prepared for which job.

You can choose the colour with the colour option on the Monkey’s Fist product page.

Use and safety

Tie the knot securely to the end of a thin and flexible line.
Coil the line neatly before throwing and hold part of the coil in your free hand. This keeps the line from tangling during the throw.
Never throw the knot towards people and warn the other side before throwing.

Care

Rinsing lines that have been in contact with seawater with fresh water after use and drying them in the shade reduces salt and sand build-up. Storing the dried knot together with the coiled line in a dry place prevents the line from tangling the next time it is used.

Bulk purchases

For marinas, boat owners and gift retailers, different colour combinations can be prepared for bulk orders. For bulk purchases and special requests you can contact us. For other products see our Marine Products category.