Tight leather straps

[Gaius.Cornelius]

When, for example, adding leather straps round the joint of a crucifix shaped furca...

What is the best method for getting leather straps really tight AND getting them to stay that way. Whenever I do this, the staps always loosen.

I am guessing that there is some correct procedure involving soaking, boiling etc.

Anybody care to let me in on the secret?

[Marcus Mummius]

You have to knot them of course

I think just soaking them with water will do the trick!

[Gaius.Cornelius]

Come to think of it, maybe I am using the wrong type of knot. I have been using a reef (square) knot.

Is there a best choice of knot?

Does leather shrink as it dries out?

[Marcus Mummius]

I don't really know what the best knot is...

The leather will shrink, yes.

Best regards

[Sassanid]

Gaius

You also need to waterproof the leather afterwards, with beeswax or something. If you don't, and you're out in the rain, the leather will slacken off again.

Andrew

[marsvigilia]

I would recommend using wet rawhide as it dries it will shrink even tighter.
As for knots I started with an Ashley #1255 Transom Knot and followed it with a #2114. Transom Lashing. These are from the "Ashley Book of Knots", which is the bible of the knotting world. Note on the Transom Lashing: after multiple turns it is necessary to wrap around the center drawing the lashing even tighter.

Oh, I really like the idea of coating with beeswax after the rawhide has dried out. I will have to try it.

[marsvigilia]

Oh, I also like 1/8 inch hemp cord/ropes for these sorts of applications. Hemp ropes were used in the Roman navy, but I'm not sure about the army.