From time to time, knots like the ones shown in this photo can magically appear in brake lines. They are often the result of a faulty landing or poorly gathered canopy, although some jumpers intentionally put knots in their brake lines to shorten them (not recommended). No matter how a knot gets there, the little buggers can be tricky to get out without causing damage. Before you start picking at a knot, seek the advice of an experienced knot-removal expert: your local rigger. Using the proper technique and appropriate tools to remove the knot can make the difference between a quick fix and replacing your brake line entirely.