Boy Scout Troop 325 Scoutmaster Minute

Frapping

March 9, 2010
Andy Duprey, Scoutmaster

I've asked Kale and Kevin to help me out for a minute.

Kale, would you please start a diagonal lashing on these poles?

Now, those wrappings look very good to me.

I'm sure they'll hold the poles together just fine.

But, stop for a second Kale.

Kevin, would you please wiggle those poles and see how tight the lashing is?

Hmmm, they sure have a lot of play in them - not as good as they could be.

Kale, go ahead and add the frapping turns.

I was satisfied, at first, with just the wrapping turns, but this extra effort of adding the frapping makes the difference.

The frapping tightens up the wraps and is an important safety feature if these lashing were used to carry any weight, especially people.

With the frapping the entire lashing is tighter, stronger, and more secure.

Kevin, now give those poles a wiggle and see how they hold.

Not bad! That extra effort made a much better result. Some of the newer scouts may have thought the lashing was finished after the wrapping turns and it was 'good enough'.

But, whether in tying a lashing, or in life, don't forget the Frapping - that little extra effort that makes what you do the best you can make it.

Thank you and good night scouts