UNIVERSAL TIE-DOWN APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE

An apparatus for securely joining ropes for rope suspension or payload tie down. The apparatus includes a two substantially identical channel assemblies configured having a first bend to form a rope groove on one end and a second bend to form a cam channel on the other end, the cam channel having a rivet hole and a pin therethrough to enable a cam to rotate therein, and an attachment mechanism to secure the channel assemblies back-to-back thereto. By opening the cam of either assembly, a rope may be threaded through the rope grove, then again on the opposite assembly. The rope can be pulled from its end away from the assemblies to tighten prior to closing the cam(s) upon the ropes. The rope can further be secured by continuing to pull after the cam has been closed, or by using an optional tightening mechanism and method. A method of tying down cargo or rope suspension using the apparatus of the disclosure for uses such as general-purpose camping, hiking, and other general-purpose tie-down and/or suspension uses of ropes. A method of tightening one or more ropes using the tie-down apparatus disclosed.