Toggles
Toggles are a very useful thing to be able to make.
They are very useful in many cases, easy to make, and cost almost nothing.
So it’s just a matter of getting these clever toggles into your bushcraft/survival arsenal.
They will definitely make your life easier when you pack gear or set up camp.
All you need to make toggles is some cord, some sticks, and a knife.
If you want to make a toggle the quick way, you should also get a drill.
Many bushcrafters use what they call "utility cords." Simply put, it’s a cord about the length between your fingertips when you stretch your arms out to each side.
At one end, a clove hitch is tied.
Utility cords:
The idea is to have a piece of cord handy that can be used for many different tasks. Several utility cords can then be joined together, quickly creating a longer line.
These utility cords are often used as toggles; in some cases, sticks are added to the cord to make it more effective.
Let's get started making some toggles.
Find a branch of suitable thickness; it depends a bit on how much you want your toggle to hold.
Cut some pieces about 6-7 cm long.
In the middle of the piece, carve a saddle notch on both sides of the stick.
The ends are crowned!
Drill a hole in the middle of the piece with a drill or your knife.
Now thread your utility cord through the hole and tie a "stop knot".
So you have a stop knot on one end and a clove hitch on the other.
The small stick can now slide freely on the cord.
Now you have a utility cord with a toggle.
Here are a few examples of what you can use it for.
For example, make a trucker’s hitch somewhere on the cord and pass the small toggle stick through.
Note that it is the end of the cord that is laid through! (the loose part that is not tied to anything).
Now lay the small stick through the loop you just made.
Notice the small "snip", (the end of the cord) it’s also inside the eye!
Now you have an adjustable cord that is easy to loosen. You just need to pull "backwards on the stick".
Of course, you can extend your utility cords using the sticks. This allows you to tighten in the middle of the cord.
Here the cord is used around a blanket.
Here is an example of another toggle, made on a more flat stick.
It most closely resembles a tensioning option on your tent.
Cut a stick that is the length of your hand.
Split the stick in the middle and remove the core wood. Optionally, flatten the piece if necessary.
Optionally round off sharp corners.
Drill three holes. Don’t drill too close to the edge!
Now attach the cord like this:
You now have the option to adjust the tension on the cord.
In this context, I want to mention a knot that is often very useful.
Specifically, the "marlin spike hitch".
It also gives you the option to place a stick in the middle of a cord.
You might need a stiffening stick or some kind of toggle.
"Marlin spike hitch" gives you, for example, the possibility to make a rope ladder.
Note that the loop you just made is laid back over the part of the cord that is tied fast. (top of the image).
Now insert the stick under the cord that is in the middle of the loop!
Now tighten the cord.
Now you can, for example, hang your bag on the shoulder strap, so you don’t have to bend down to find things in your bag.
When you’re done with your tasks, simply pull the stick out and pull the cord to untie the knot.
Toggles are an incredibly versatile and useful tool used in bushcraft for various purposes. And the great thing is, you can easily make toggles yourself.
Here are some ways toggles can be useful in bushcraft:
Cord tightener: Toggles can be used as an effective way to tighten lines or ropes. By inserting toggles into lacing or knots, you can easily adjust the tension and ensure stability.
Tarps and tents: When setting up tarps or tents, toggles can be used to attach cords to tent poles or branches. This provides a reliable and adjustable method to maintain a tight tent setup. Toggles are often used to fasten and tighten cords and ropes around tent poles or tarp edge lines. They make it easier to adjust and secure the tent setup or cover, especially in situations where you might not have access to other fastening means.
Use in cords or rope knots: In some situations, toggles can be incorporated into certain knots or cords to improve their functionality. They can help prevent the knot from tightening too much and make it easier to adjust.
Survival traps: In survival situations, toggles can be used to construct primitive traps. By attaching toggles to cords and branches, you can make simple trapping systems to secure a food supply.
Natural materials: Toggles are often easy and simple to find in nature. They can be made from branches or pieces of wood, making them ideal in a bushcraft situation where you want to use natural resources.
Toggles function as a kind of locking device for cords and ropes. They provide a simple and effective way to tie or secure ropes without having to make knots, making it easier to adjust the length or quickly release the rope.
In general, toggles are a versatile bushcraft tool that can be adapted to different situations. Their use depends on the specific task you face in the outdoor environment.
It’s a good idea to have some good tools when making your toggles. A really good outdoor knife is a must-have!
Mora - Companion knife is a really good, robust, and versatile survival and outdoor knife, where you get a lot of knife for a small price.
Bushlord - Joker knife is an ultimate bushcraft knife, which is extremely good to work with and can really take a beating.
When making toggles, you need some strong cord. In these cases, paracord is used, which has ultra-high breaking strength and comes in several different colors.
Toggles are ideal to use for, for example, setting up a fine tarp and other things when you need to make camp.