For anyone lacking in either a jig like his or a ball bearing, I stuck toothpicks into an apple and managed perfectly fine looping everything through. As for a ball bearing, try any outdoorsman-type store for fishing weights; they've got a perfect size/weight ratio :) Hope this helps!
Hi B.P. I found an old monkeys fist washed up on the beach over 30 years ago it was from a ship. They are used to tie a thin rope to, then throw it to another vessel, the weight of the fist made this easy. Then a larger rope is tied to the thin one and hauled across to the other boat, this was to move cargo from one ship to the other, or tie the 2 boats together for what ever reason. You mentioned for self defense, I never thought of that, but would do some damage to an attacker. Over the years I have often wondered how these knots were made, your video and spoken instructions are excellent. Thanks for posting. I will have a go at making one.
I’ve had your video saved to my “Paracord Projects” playlist for a few years now and I FINALLY just made my very first Monkeys First 🐵 Thank you so much for making this tutorial 🖤
Nice job. You are the first person I have seen to tie the knot by putting the third pass on the inside of the knot. Every other example I have seen puts the third pass on the outside. Thanks for the explanation.
Tanks! I made myself a homemade jig and i followed the instructions. It turned out really well and i decided to add a whistle on the handle because i planed to use it as a selfdefence weapon and the whistle would be a usefull feature in case you need help or to warn someone. The video was really usefull and clear.
Thanks, love it and will use for decorative purposes. I used to be old school macrame-er but never made these. My Dad was a sailor (engineer/fireman) on big ships, started as a Merchant Marine in WWII. He taught me some knots when I was little but since "a girl" didn't continue. Just FYI for folks who've asked, I heard the term Marlin Spike in the video, Googled and found a titanium one on Ebay that looks to be same type as here.
Thank you, it was really helpful to have you explain how to find the middle to tighten. I have made these before but forget and have to go back for reminders. Super helpful. I like how you do your videos. Best. Peace
I'm new to this paracord craft thang, and i have seen several other instructional videos. And i do mean several, but you sir, by far, show, explain, teach better than anyone else i have seen. If you had an actual class in my area i would be there with bells on! Subbed, and very appreciative of what you are doing. Keep up the amazing attitude. Im hooked now so dont leave me jonesing!! Hahaha
well, i started my night watching good mythical morning, went to watching fail videos, then car crashes on dash cams, to slow mo car crashes, to slow mo videos in general, to whip cracking/flaming/slow mo whip cracking videos, then to people making whips, and now 7:36 in the morning im here watching how to make knots... at least i didnt hit the weird part of youtube for once!
The reason you didn’t hit the weird part of UA-cam is because of the same reason a crazy person doesn’t realize anything is wrong with their actions or words, you have to have a stable defining point to work from.
Awesome video, made one last night had a few issues with the ball showing. With your video i found my mistake. Thanks for your time and patience paracord on!!!!
*I've seen them in the Navy and always wondered hot they made them, but were used to throw a line from one ship to another. Now days they use guns...haha!* *Well done!!*
We used to put something heavy inside like a old nut or piece of lead to give the knot weight. The method was to hold the line in your right hand about a metre from the knot and whirl it around similar to a sling shot then let go. With practice you could take out a dockworker at distance of 30 metres or more. Fortunately they were used to it so would dodge out of the way lol.
This is such a great vid! Thank you for taking the time to do this. Your instructions were absolutely perfect, and a huge help. I didn't do it right on the first attempt, so I started over and did it correctly on the second try. I found that I just had to pull the cord slightly more snugly around the jig than I did on the first try, and then the 5 loops stayed in line much better while working on it. This is a perfect vid, and all your tips were very helpful.
Excellent ! People making videos often think it is about the subject matter (knots). But its about the videography also. You have great lighting and sound. Not too fast or slow. Hands not in the way. Using POV (point of view). I might suggest a black background because of contrast. Also, I use one black pencil and three yellow pencils. I will go look at some of your more recent videos also. Thanks !
Also really useful if you tie one on the end of long length of cord so you can get some weight to throw the line. You know over a high branch to tie a lamp or bear sack up
Not at all boring. This video was great, very instructional. I've wondered for years how to make one of these awesome knots, and thanks to you I know how to. THANKS! (i subscribed to your channel too) :)
I tried this earlier without a jig, I found it extremely difficult because my cats wanted to play with the paracord. I think I'll have to make a jig to get it right. Thanks for the post. 👍🏼
Thanks for this, Shawn... I've been making golf ball and 1.5" steel ball bearing monkey's fists as self defense apparatuses for a few months now, and you've already thrown in several awesome tips and tricks I did knot know about! Such as tightening from the bights without a line coming off first... (thought to myself Duhh). Good stuff Maynard!
I really like this dude, as dorky as we are making this stuff, its getting more and more fun. I think women could use the monkey fist, stashed away in a pocket or purse, keeps mean dogs and the boogie man at bay,!
you have this down bro! but for people trying to learn... "left" "right" "down" and "up" are totally directions to the yellow brick road. IF you don't keep your orientation point static
thank you it was a very good video i have seen others but yours was put very clearly ands now i am full of confidence on having a go my self thank you once again
I made one of these using a 1-1/8" diameter rubber ball as the core. I used 5 wraps of 550 cordage, but should probably have used 6. There's a few spots, particularly where the direction of the cordage wrap changes, where the ball can be seen. Ideally, the core object should not be visible. What are your thoughts on the wrap count, Shawn? BTW, great tutorial... thanks for posting! BTW, this project also prompted me to make a jig from a scrap piece of 2x4 and using bamboo grill skewers for the dowel rods. The skewers, about 5/32" in diameter, had to be shortened to 6" to reduce the amount of flex. I used a drawing program to create a template for marking where the holes needed to be drilled, making sure the holes were the correct distance apart for the diameter of the core. Improvise, adapt & overcome!
14:50 I would do a Lanyard Knot aka Chinese Button Knot aka Diamond Knot. Also, if you use a standard large marble, 3 passes of paracord works perfect.
great tutorial. first time ever trying this and it almost came out perfect, think I may need to do an extra turn as I'm using a ball I found and it's a little bigger than I thought maybe....
You can make a jig with a piece of wood and coat hanger or 4 inch finish nails instead of the wooden dows. Which is thicker then the hanger and nails ,this way you can make the fist as tight as possible right from the start.. Just saying. nice video !!! 😃
What's the distance between the dowel rod holes for the 1" ball, from center to center? Too far apart, or too close together, creates a mess when the knot is removed from the jig.
Thx for the tutorial, my next step is after i get it out of the jig, too have it all set and tighten it up. I'm having trouble, the 5th loop is just so narrow and after i take it all, several are uneven and well, i have to start over. Would making the gaps be better for me?
I know this video is 5 years old but if yo ever re do it I suggest marking the dowels so the viewer can better orientate themselves following along. Like color code or number them
Any possible way to figure out the 1.5 inch ball and the 2 inch ball for the monkey fists? I was having trouble with them. Like how many pass's? You said the 1 inch ball has 5 pass's, but does the 1.5 and 2 inch ball the same or does it require more pass's and possibly doing a video on doubling up on the 550 cord on the monkey fist? Please and thank you!
Interesting vid, always thought the monkey fist was an awesome knot (practically and decorvitily) but a couple questions: 1 serious and another ridiculous!!LOL 1. What is the spacing on the holes on your jig? Looks to be about 1 inch? and 2. Has anyone tried to tie one of these around a bowling ball?!!! LOL LMAO LOL Just putting the challenge out there, love to see it!!!! 🎳🎳😂
Do you have a chart for the required cordage for the different size ball. You said that this requires 12 feet, The golf Ball required 9 passes, how much cordage is that?
Do you have a plan for a TOTEM POLE ? With multi colored heads, with wings near the top ? I can envision fusing the different colors of cord together to make the colored heads of bears, eagles, etc.... This is a worthy challenge to you par cord wizards ! Thanks. Let me know, I am ready to make it !!!
I really wish i had the patience to create these wonderful little pieces! Looks a great hobby! Could someone point me in the right direction for a beginner?? Thanks!
+Orion P __Or one can inject the center of the tennis ball with epoxy or fiber glass resin using a syringe used for animal husbandry--some of them are in excess of 60 CC.
My brother and his rehab uses this as a sobriety symbol and call it a sobriety fist, they all wear it around their neck. Idk just thought that was cool lil fact I could tell.
+Pullux _ It's a 1" steel ball. You can buy them ebay for around $3 to $5. You could also buy a 1" roller ball bearing (about $1.79 at my local Harbor Freight) and cut it out of the casing (along with about twenty 1/8" ball bearing) using a Dremel and a reinforce cutting disk. With that said, however, check your local laws, Monkey Fists (also known as slungshot) are a Class 1 felony in California.
I want to wrap my shift knob in paracord and everyone tells me to use the monkey fist. But how would I keep the hole open wear it slips onto the stick in my truck?
You explained this well, and I made the monkey fist but I still cannot get everything tightened properly, and became so frustrated after the 8th attempt, I gave up.
Regardless of what @chemistrycounts said, I appreciated the demonstration of the jig. If you don't agree with the use of jigs, don't use them. That simple. Enough of that, thank you for your detailed video. It helped me a lot.
What is the name of the book you referenced at the end. Thank you for your time. I enjoyed the video. Will be trying this and other types. Got me hooked on Paracord knot tying. Got the Bell on!
For anyone lacking in either a jig like his or a ball bearing, I stuck toothpicks into an apple and managed perfectly fine looping everything through. As for a ball bearing, try any outdoorsman-type store for fishing weights; they've got a perfect size/weight ratio :) Hope this helps!
Hi B.P.
I found an old monkeys fist washed up on the beach over 30 years ago it was from a ship.
They are used to tie a thin rope to, then throw it to another vessel, the weight of the fist made this easy. Then a larger rope is tied to the thin one and hauled across to the other boat, this was to move cargo from one ship to the other, or tie the 2 boats together for what ever reason.
You mentioned for self defense, I never thought of that, but would do some damage to an attacker.
Over the years I have often wondered how these knots were made, your video and spoken instructions are excellent.
Thanks for posting. I will have a go at making one.
Rusty Panels Mines over 30 years old but its made of pure copper its on my channel check it out
Rusty Panels they threw them and also shot them out of line canons.
the navy still uses them to cast lines from ship to ship or ship to shore
I’ve had your video saved to my “Paracord Projects” playlist for a few years now and I FINALLY just made my very first Monkeys First 🐵
Thank you so much for making this tutorial 🖤
Nice job. You are the first person I have seen to tie the knot by putting the third pass on the inside of the knot. Every other example I have seen puts the third pass on the outside. Thanks for the explanation.
Tanks! I made myself a homemade jig and i followed the instructions. It turned out really well and i decided to add a whistle on the handle because i planed to use it as a selfdefence weapon and the whistle would be a usefull feature in case you need help or to warn someone. The video was really usefull and clear.
i put mine on the end of a karambit...
kim lundgren
I put the two of mine in my pants . I now have big balls.
I liked your fixture to keep everything in place and in order.
This beats the wrap around your fingers method, at least for a beginner.
Thanks!
Thanks, love it and will use for decorative purposes. I used to be old school macrame-er but never made these. My Dad was a sailor (engineer/fireman) on big ships, started as a Merchant Marine in WWII. He taught me some knots when I was little but since "a girl" didn't continue. Just FYI for folks who've asked, I heard the term Marlin Spike in the video, Googled and found a titanium one on Ebay that looks to be same type as here.
Thank you, it was really helpful to have you explain how to find the middle to tighten. I have made these before but forget and have to go back for reminders. Super helpful. I like how you do your videos.
Best. Peace
I'm new to this paracord craft thang, and i have seen several other instructional videos. And i do mean several, but you sir, by far, show, explain, teach better than anyone else i have seen. If you had an actual class in my area i would be there with bells on! Subbed, and very appreciative of what you are doing. Keep up the amazing attitude. Im hooked now so dont leave me jonesing!! Hahaha
Thanks, the fist may also be used to cast a small line to something. then use small line to pull a work line. I like your video.
This was far from boring it is an amazing tutorial and I made my first monkey fist thanks to you with no flaws. You definitely get a thumbs up from me
well, i started my night watching good mythical morning, went to watching fail videos, then car crashes on dash cams, to slow mo car crashes, to slow mo videos in general, to whip cracking/flaming/slow mo whip cracking videos, then to people making whips, and now 7:36 in the morning im here watching how to make knots... at least i didnt hit the weird part of youtube for once!
+Jacob Varble Sounds familiar. Usually get bored with a film then ping the first vid of interest.
GMM Rocks!!
I started off watching movie trailers and somehow ended up watching hamster porn....
😂😂
The reason you didn’t hit the weird part of UA-cam is because of the same reason a crazy person doesn’t realize anything is wrong with their actions or words, you have to have a stable defining point to work from.
Awesome video, made one last night had a few issues with the ball showing. With your video i found my mistake. Thanks for your time and patience paracord on!!!!
Really not boring at all! Thank you. Love the idea of the jig.
*I've seen them in the Navy and always wondered hot they made them, but were used to throw a line from one ship to another. Now days they use guns...haha!* *Well done!!*
We used to put something heavy inside like a old nut or piece of lead to give the knot weight. The method was to hold the line in your right hand about a metre from the knot and whirl it around similar to a sling shot then let go. With practice you could take out a dockworker at distance of 30 metres or more. Fortunately they were used to it so would dodge out of the way lol.
Nah, this video was not boring at all Shawn. Great video too by the way! Keep up the good work!
This is such a great vid! Thank you for taking the time to do this. Your instructions were absolutely perfect, and a huge help. I didn't do it right on the first attempt, so I started over and did it correctly on the second try. I found that I just had to pull the cord slightly more snugly around the jig than I did on the first try, and then the 5 loops stayed in line much better while working on it. This is a perfect vid, and all your tips were very helpful.
Excellent ! People making videos often think it is about the subject matter (knots). But its about the videography also. You have great lighting and sound. Not too fast or slow. Hands not in the way. Using POV (point of view). I might suggest a black background because of contrast. Also, I use one black pencil and three yellow pencils. I will go look at some of your more recent videos also. Thanks !
Great eye Steve,I like where you're going with an instructional video cinematography. Nice suggestions.
Best video on the subject, I played it on half speed , perfect
Not boring at all, I used it as a guide for mine, but I used a Snooker Cue ball.
Thanks I enjoy many of your videos.
Exactly what I was looking for- thank you for explaining the little parts that make a big difference!!
thank you for not just making bracelets
brynt91 ekler
Yeah
Also really useful if you tie one on the end of long length of cord so you can get some weight to throw the line. You know over a high branch to tie a lamp or bear sack up
Not at all boring. This video was great, very instructional. I've wondered for years how to make one of these awesome knots, and thanks to you I know how to. THANKS! (i subscribed to your channel too) :)
I tried this earlier without a jig, I found it extremely difficult because my cats wanted to play with the paracord.
I think I'll have to make a jig to get it right.
Thanks for the post. 👍🏼
Gotta love our kitties ! 😻
That was cool to watch. Nice choice on the cord color, it was easy to see.
Awesome video. Been trying to learn this for a while now and you nailed it.
Put a bouncy ball instead of a metal ball in it and you have the purrfect cat toy.
Good idea 🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐶🐶
+Patalpha Or a katnip ball.
colhufhpvj50000000000000
and cat murder weapon XD
Ball bearings make the best impact for self defense tools ! They come in many sizes too. FYI
Thanks for this, Shawn... I've been making golf ball and 1.5" steel ball bearing monkey's fists as self defense apparatuses for a few months now, and you've already thrown in several awesome tips and tricks I did knot know about! Such as tightening from the bights without a line coming off first... (thought to myself Duhh). Good stuff Maynard!
Thanks William! :)
Pun skills: Over 9000
How many passes do you use for the 1.5” balls?
it isn't boring at all . I learn a lot from this video. thanks
I really like this dude, as dorky as we are making this stuff, its getting more and more fun. I think women could use the monkey fist, stashed away in a pocket or purse, keeps mean dogs and the boogie man at bay,!
A 2 strand diamond knot is nice to tie the two ends together. I use it a lot! Nice vid by the way.
Thanks for making your videos so easy to follow along! Keep up the great work! 😀
Got it on the second try, thanks dude, i even went and made my own jig.
you have this down bro! but for people trying to learn... "left" "right" "down" and "up" are totally directions to the yellow brick road. IF you don't keep your orientation point static
thank you it was a very good video i have seen others but yours was put very clearly ands now i am full of confidence on having a go my self thank you once again
Your videos are the easiest to learn by far thanks
I made one of these using a 1-1/8" diameter rubber ball as the core. I used 5 wraps of 550 cordage, but should probably have used 6. There's a few spots, particularly where the direction of the cordage wrap changes, where the ball can be seen. Ideally, the core object should not be visible. What are your thoughts on the wrap count, Shawn? BTW, great tutorial... thanks for posting!
BTW, this project also prompted me to make a jig from a scrap piece of 2x4 and using bamboo grill skewers for the dowel rods. The skewers, about 5/32" in diameter, had to be shortened to 6" to reduce the amount of flex. I used a drawing program to create a template for marking where the holes needed to be drilled, making sure the holes were the correct distance apart for the diameter of the core. Improvise, adapt & overcome!
Thanks for actually mentioning length, bro.
Great video as always Shawn!
Hey Sean. I love your videos they are so on point. Thank you!
14:50 I would do a Lanyard Knot aka Chinese Button Knot aka Diamond Knot. Also, if you use a standard large marble, 3 passes of paracord works perfect.
great tutorial. first time ever trying this and it almost came out perfect, think I may need to do an extra turn as I'm using a ball I found and it's a little bigger than I thought maybe....
It wasn't boring for me. I enjoyed it.
Same here :)
You can make a jig with a piece of wood and coat hanger or 4 inch finish nails instead of the wooden dows. Which is thicker then the hanger and nails ,this way you can make the fist as tight as possible right from the start.. Just saying. nice video !!! 😃
Great video step by step helped me make my first fist and I used a jig .now I will watch the finishing video thanks it was a great help .
Great video, he really explains himself very well.
Just bought some cord from your site hopefully I can start making some your badass designs! Keep up the sweet work.
AWESOME! Streight to the point! I wonder why Alexander did not figure out? I think he was in a hurry! The Gordion nut!
That is slick I have always done them freehand.
Great video Shaun 👍🏻
Once again, excellent vid! I built a cheapo Mr. Coop jig & followed your instr. I'll post a pic of both on the Facebook page. Thanx again bro!
What's the distance between the dowel rod holes for the 1" ball, from center to center? Too far apart, or too close together, creates a mess when the knot is removed from the jig.
Thx for the tutorial, my next step is after i get it out of the jig, too have it all set and tighten it up. I'm having trouble, the 5th loop is just so narrow and after i take it all, several are uneven and well, i have to start over. Would making the gaps be better for me?
Best and easiest video I've watched on how to make it👌🍻
Great vid well demonstrated and good focus
Well its not too boring , I subscribed :-) Hope you make more things
Is this supposed to be a weapon of sorts? I've heard of monkey fist knots, but using only rope/cord; nothing inside for a core.
great video mate!! good job!!
I know this video is 5 years old but if yo ever re do it I suggest marking the dowels so the viewer can better orientate themselves following along. Like color code or number them
Any possible way to figure out the 1.5 inch ball and the 2 inch ball for the monkey fists? I was having trouble with them. Like how many pass's? You said the 1 inch ball has 5 pass's, but does the 1.5 and 2 inch ball the same or does it require more pass's and possibly doing a video on doubling up on the 550 cord on the monkey fist? Please and thank you!
Interesting vid, always thought the monkey fist was an awesome knot (practically and decorvitily) but a couple questions: 1 serious and another ridiculous!!LOL
1. What is the spacing on the holes on your jig? Looks to be about 1 inch? and 2. Has anyone tried to tie one of these around a bowling ball?!!! LOL LMAO LOL Just putting the challenge out there, love to see it!!!! 🎳🎳😂
The tool, what is it called please? Not the jig. The tool. And where can I get one? Or directions on how to make one?
lost in the tundra It's called a fid.
i know that im pretty late but what r the demensions of the wooden block andthe measurements of the spae between each hole
As some have stated, used on ships. Called a slungshot. Felony possession in Michigan.
How do you know how many times to wrap it? Make sure the middle section of the ball is covered or what?
You don't have to cover it all the way
Do you have a chart for the required cordage for the different size ball. You said that this requires 12 feet, The golf Ball required 9 passes, how much cordage is that?
Christopher Connolly This is 5 passes for 12 feet, 12 divided by 5 is 2.4, 2.4 times 9 is 21.6. 21.6 feet.
Where or how do you get a jig 😕?
What are the measurements on the block you are using
um, Shawn...how do u cover the bits of the ball still showing..never explained that..I keep starting over trying to get it completely covered
If you put a ball on either end of the cord, you might be able to use it as a snare weapon, modeled after a South American "bolas"
Thanks for showing this .I got it now thanks 😊 ☺
Really cool video. Thanks for the info and sharing
for a marble would I do 2 or 3?
Maybe 4 at most
what is that needle thing you use and how can I get one?
I threading post is called a fid, and they are easy to make as well. There a couple videos on how to make them.
Where is the finishing video or tightening one.
Oh and thank you so much BoredParacord. I'll subscribe when I have a little more time on my hands ;-).
It took longer to type your comment than it would have to subscribe....
" The monkey fist, The monkey!" -the flying Dutchman
What size is that jig you working with?
cool,much easier than I thought
Made one with a baseball and it looks great
Do you have a plan for a TOTEM POLE ? With multi colored heads, with wings near the top ? I can envision fusing the different colors of cord together to make the colored heads of bears, eagles, etc.... This is a worthy challenge to you par cord wizards ! Thanks. Let me know, I am ready to make it !!!
I really wish i had the patience to create these wonderful little pieces!
Looks a great hobby!
Could someone point me in the right direction for a beginner??
Thanks!
love your new opening
What paracord number or size do you recommend for the 1" size steel ball? Thanks in advance!
Take a table tennis ball, cut off the to, fill with liquid cement, use as the weight.
Orion P Genius!
+Orion P __Or one can inject the center of the tennis ball with epoxy or fiber glass resin using a syringe used for animal husbandry--some of them are in excess of 60 CC.
Need to use red paracord for hiding stains. :)
How many turns for a base ball?
My brother and his rehab uses this as a sobriety symbol and call it a sobriety fist, they all wear it around their neck. Idk just thought that was cool lil fact I could tell.
What size paracord you are using you should mention, I mean diameter
Maybe a 2-strand diamond knot to close it off?
very nice I make it it's so cool thank u
Amazing!!! Love it, thank you to teach us!!!!
Where can i get a small ball like about that size?
+Pullux _ It's a 1" steel ball. You can buy them ebay for around $3 to $5. You could also buy a 1" roller ball bearing (about $1.79 at my local Harbor Freight) and cut it out of the casing (along with about twenty 1/8" ball bearing) using a Dremel and a reinforce cutting disk. With that said, however, check your local laws, Monkey Fists (also known as slungshot) are a Class 1 felony in California.
finally, this one worked for me,thanks a lot.
I want to wrap my shift knob in paracord and everyone tells me to use the monkey fist. But how would I keep the hole open wear it slips onto the stick in my truck?
You explained this well, and I made the monkey fist but I still cannot get everything tightened properly, and became so frustrated after the 8th attempt, I gave up.
Regardless of what @chemistrycounts said, I appreciated the demonstration of the jig. If you don't agree with the use of jigs, don't use them. That simple. Enough of that, thank you for your detailed video. It helped me a lot.
What is the name of the book you referenced at the end. Thank you for your time. I enjoyed the video. Will be trying this and other types. Got me hooked on Paracord knot tying. Got the Bell on!
What are the dimensions of the jig