How to Tie a Barrel Sling

A barrel sling is most often used to hoist a barrel while suspending it vertically. It supports the barrel on opposite sides and from the bottom. The barrel sling is described in Ashley’s Book of Knots in diagrams No. 459, 2176 and 2177.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Lay a rope in a loose figure-eight knot. Make a loop with the working end on top, bring the working end under the standing end and then bring it through the first loop made from above.

2. Ensure that periphery of the knot is larger than the end of the barrel you are trying to raise. Stand the barrel on its end and place it on top of the length of rope forming the center of the figure-eight knot.

3. Draw the rope up around the sides of the barrel and dress it carefully before attempting to raise the barrel. The single length of rope supporting the bottom should go straight through the center of the barrel and the two sections of rope on each side should form neat crosses at right angles.

4. Observe that this version of the barrel sling provides more stability than more basic barrel slings and requires only the ability to make a figure-eight knot which most people already know.

Tips & Warnings

• Use barrel slings only for non-critical applications. It will keep the barrel upright even if it swings but there is no particular protection against the barrel slipping through a gap.

Resources

• Learn more about tying knots at Real Knots.