01/29/08

The Commando Rope

-aka-

The Toggle Rope

The Commando Rope or Toggle Rope came into prominence in world War II with the Commando's who often in the course of duty had to scale walls, climb cliffs, and cross ravines.  Instead of carrying long, bulky ropes, each Commando had a 6-foot length of 1/2 rope, with an eye-splice in one end and a toggle in the other, also secured with an eye -splice.  the open eye splice was just large enough to allow the toggle to fit through and be held firmly.  The commando's carried these ropes around their waists.  To make a long rope, several toggle ropes were simply interlocked.  If the toggle was not present, the ropes were looped onto themselves through the large eye of another commando rope.

Step 1

Unlay the line; however you should excercise care to preserve the strands. The middle (red) strand facing you always tucks first.

Step 2

Tuck like so...

The second (blue) strand is next

Step 3

...and turn the work over.

Step 4

Step 5

...until the splice is completed.  (At least three rounds deep)

Step 6

The other end of the rope is normally spliced around a grooved toggle. You'll find the Commando Rope to be a versatile camping tool. I frequently use mine to elevate and suspend my backpack on tree trunks.