Ratlines

[Ian McColgin]

1/4" is a bit small for ratlines. Siezing in the way of the lashings helps. It's gotta be really firm. Make a siezing hammer or strut to pull it tightly enough and maybe practice a bit first. Maybe make the verticle dimension of the steps a bit longer to give a better bearing surface.

G'luck

[Brion Toss]

Hello,
Yes, you are trying to put a lot of weight onto a little surface area. Try a series of three Double Constrictors, hove tight with two mallets, stacked under each rung. Not appreciably faster than service, nor as pretty, but will do the job. It's also how we secure spreader tips, as well as D-rings for chest-high lifelines.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[gill]

Finished with intermittent service as suggested; 4" for the wooden and 3" for the rope rungs. I've now mastered the buntline hitch, marlinspike hitch and constrictor knot. Looks great. Thanks.