Knots are a very important factor in the Steeple-Jack’s life. Only knots that have been properly tested should be used. Many a terrible disaster has been caused by the use of a knot which was quickly invented by a man and never tested. Avoid such accidents by learning to tie knots in the proper fashion.
Slip knots are bothersome as well as dangerous to both the person working in the air and the people walking underneath. There are very few knots that are useful to the Steeple-Jack, and it is well for every man following this trade to learn to make these few knots well and thereby avoid delay when in need.
For instance, if you were on the top of a stack and saw a part of your rigging that did not look any too safe, or you were near a band and saw your hook was only sitting on top of the stack and not inside, as it should be. A sling and the knowledge of tying knots properly is required. Practice until you are thoroughly familiar with this important part of your trade.