stangguy327
Contributor
I have just bought my first reel and am wondering what the black knob on the end is for? Is there a correct way to tie it around objects or do most of you just put a clip on the end also?
Wreck Reel question
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If the "knob" is a ball tied into a loop on the end of the line, then it is designed to make it easier to untie the line after you exit.
Normally, a reel will have a loop in the end of the line large enough to pass the entire reel through.
In terms of cave diving, a primary tie off is done by running the line around a suitable object (around a limb or around a rock outcrop, or in some cases around a piece of rebar placed for that purpose) then passing the reel through the loop and wrapping it back around the object in the other direction a couple turns. It results in a much more secure tie off that cannot easily be undone or come undone unless the line is loosened or cut (unlike a boltsnap that can easily be unclipped).
It works the same way in wreck diving, with the line going around a piece of structure, beam, etc. One advantage of tying rather than just looping the line over something and clipping back on it with a boltsnap is that the line will not normally rub against the wreck if tied off tightly and if it does it has to work against several strands not just one.
Ideally, you do the primary tie off in open water and then also do a secondary tie off inside the overhead but still close to the exit in the event the primary does fail and/or is removed by unknowing OW divers (stealing your boltsnap maybe - which is a good reason not to use one)
A secondary tie off is harder to describe. You start by going around the back side of the object you are tying to, then go over the top of the line and then back around under it - creating a "V". Then wrap back in the other direction twice. Doing it that way puts the line on the front side of the object so you don't have to feel around anything on the way out and also places the line so that it feels continuous. More importantly with the reversal in direction and multiple wraps, it won't come loose if the line is cut between the primary and secondary tie off.
On exiting, the secondary tie can also just be lifted off the obstruction (if it a knob, projection etc) and wil not form any knots. When you unwrap the primary, the ball makes it easier to lift the loop up so that you can pass the reel back through it even with thick gloves on.
Normally, a reel will have a loop in the end of the line large enough to pass the entire reel through.
In terms of cave diving, a primary tie off is done by running the line around a suitable object (around a limb or around a rock outcrop, or in some cases around a piece of rebar placed for that purpose) then passing the reel through the loop and wrapping it back around the object in the other direction a couple turns. It results in a much more secure tie off that cannot easily be undone or come undone unless the line is loosened or cut (unlike a boltsnap that can easily be unclipped).
It works the same way in wreck diving, with the line going around a piece of structure, beam, etc. One advantage of tying rather than just looping the line over something and clipping back on it with a boltsnap is that the line will not normally rub against the wreck if tied off tightly and if it does it has to work against several strands not just one.
Ideally, you do the primary tie off in open water and then also do a secondary tie off inside the overhead but still close to the exit in the event the primary does fail and/or is removed by unknowing OW divers (stealing your boltsnap maybe - which is a good reason not to use one)
A secondary tie off is harder to describe. You start by going around the back side of the object you are tying to, then go over the top of the line and then back around under it - creating a "V". Then wrap back in the other direction twice. Doing it that way puts the line on the front side of the object so you don't have to feel around anything on the way out and also places the line so that it feels continuous. More importantly with the reversal in direction and multiple wraps, it won't come loose if the line is cut between the primary and secondary tie off.
On exiting, the secondary tie can also just be lifted off the obstruction (if it a knob, projection etc) and wil not form any knots. When you unwrap the primary, the ball makes it easier to lift the loop up so that you can pass the reel back through it even with thick gloves on.
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stangguy327
Contributor
Thanks so much for the detailed response, the pics are very helpfull!!! That cleared it up 100%.
scubadude79
Contributor
I had the same question about selecting a reel. Thanks!
awdemeo
Contributor
if you have a dive rite reel the knob not only holds the line from fully retracting it is also a spare winding knob incase you brake the one on their as for the tie off the pictures already given are perfect
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