Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

How to Make a Jacob's Marine Rope Ladder

For boaters, tree stand hunters or tree fort explorers, a Jacob's rope ladder is a good choice for climbing because it is lightweight and portable. This style of ladder can be put together in the field if needed, and its sturdiness depends on the strength of the materials you use. The name is a reference to the Biblical character Jacob, who dreamed he built a ladder to the sky in the book of Genesis. This ladder can also be built and used at home as an emergency exit from upstairs bedrooms.

Things You'll Need

Two strands of rope, length based on ladder length
16-inch wooden posts, number based on ladder length

Instructions

- 1
  Soak the ropes in water. Make sure your ropes remain damp throughout the ladder-building process.
- 2
  Tie knots at the ends of the ropes to keep them from fraying. You can also whip the rope, or purchase rope strands that come pre-whipped. Tie the ropes, about a foot apart, to a pole. The ladder can be moved after completion.
- 3
  Grab a rope in each hand, about one foot from the pole. Position your thumbs toward the ground and hold the rope between your thumb and pointer finger. Ensure your hands are equal distances from the ground.
- 4
  Flip your thumbs upward, hooking onto the ropes and creating loops around your fingers.
- 5
  Push your thumbs into the loops and grab the standing ropes. The standing part of a rope is the part that leads to the anchored end. Pull the standing part of the ropes through the loops.
- 6
  Place a wooden pole into the loop behind the standing part of the rope. You may need an assistant to help with this step, since your hands are holding the loops. Pull the ropes tightly and evenly until the knots are secure.
- 7
  Repeat Steps 3 through 6, moving about a foot down for each rung until your ladder reaches the desired length. Let the ropes dry thoroughly before use.

Other Hobbies