What is a square lashing used for?

Binding two poles that cross, usually at right angles.

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  1. Joining two ropes end to end
  2. Binding two crossing poles together ✔
  3. Tying a boat to a dock

Why: A square lashing ties two poles together where they touch and cross, usually at 90 degrees. It is load bearing, so it is used to build frames and scaffolding.

Huh, didn't know that: It gets its name because the wraps are square to the poles.

The dad joke
Why did the poles get along? They were lashed together.
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References

Answer: Binding two crossing poles together. A square lashing ties two poles together where they touch and cross, usually at 90 degrees. It is load bearing, so it is used to build frames and scaffolding.

  1. Bryan on Scouting (Scouting America): How to complete a square lashing in half the time blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2019/10/10/how-to-complete-a-square-lashing-in-half-the-time
    Square lashings bind poles that are in contact and cross each other at any angle from 45-degrees to 90-degrees.
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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