There are a few methods to tie a crab. The method with two strings over the shell is widely published in crabbing literatures therefore it will not be repeated here. The following two methods are not as well known but they are easy to use and just as effective to make the crab safe to handle. The first method requires the aid of a foot whilst the second is done entirely with both hands. The latter is useful if a solid and clear surface is not available, like on the muddy banks of estuaries.

Using hands and foot method

Cut a piece of string at least 80cm long. A length of 1m is essential for crabs weighing above 1 kg.

• Place crab on a flat surface or ground and hold it down with the toes.
• String the crab below the claws from the front and pull both ends to the back, allocating half the string to each side.

• Wrap one end of the string over the elbow, in between the jaws and then below the claw towards the back and pull tight. Tug the string under the big toe. This is to keep the claw close to the body temporarily and to prevent it from interfering with the hands whilst tying the other claw.

• Similarly, wrap the other half of the string over the other elbow, put it between the jaws and pull it back below the claw. Wrap the string tightly over the pincer twice and pull the remaining string and tug it under the big toe.

• Take the first half of the string from under the big toe and wrap it over the other pincer twice and pull it hard to the back.

• Tie the two ends with a double dead knot.

Prepare a piece of string at least 1m long make a noose in the middle

• Loop the noose to the lower jaw on one of the claws. Pull both sections of the string below the claw to the back.

• Tug one end of the string under the thumb and pull the other to tighten the noose. This step is to keep the claw close to the body temporarily so that it does not interfere with the hand whilst the other claw is being tied.

• String the other end below the other claw, over the elbow and between the jaws.

• Wrap string over the pincer twice and pull it to the back and tug it under the second finger.

• Similarly, take the other half of the string from under the thumb and wrap it over the pincer twice and pull it under the claw towards the back.

• Tie the two ends with a dead knot.