Joining Rope

[Toast]

It's common practice to use the double/triple Fisherman's Knot to join rope ends, and it's specifically used for tied Perlon slings and cordalettes. Unfortunately, it's one of the worst knots to have to untie after the knot's been weighted several times.

 

A friend of mine suggested the Sheet Bend (i.e. a sideways tied Bowline.)

 

 

After a little thought, I couldn't think of why not, especially with a double wrap and a Yosemite finish (sort of like how gym climbers tie in.)

 

 

Doing so reduces the arc angle of bends, thus mitigating loss of strength, and it makes this knot easy to untie. The only trade off I can think of is I don't know of anybody who uses this knot, and most won't be familiar with it.

 

Does anybody have any test data on the strength of this knot or the degradation of rope strength vs. the Double Fisherman's Knot?

 

 

Edited December 2, 2005 by Toast

[catbirdseat]

A Carrick Bend is as strong as a Double Fisherman, stronger than a Sheet Bend, yet is easier to untie after it has been loaded. If you use it, it is recommended to back it up with either siezings or half-fisherman knots.

 

Here's some strength figures. Lord knows where they came from.

[Toast]

Thanks CBS. The problem (and the virtue) of the Carrick Bend is it's slippery and unties, probably, too easily. It's also super bukly.

 

I'm trying to get a handle on whether the knot I described would be suitable for a cordalette or tied perlon slings, things I'll occasionally want to untie (think V-thread or tying around a big ass anchor.) I don't see why not, but that's why I'm asking the question.

[catbirdseat]

Thanks CBS. The problem (and the virtue) of the Carrick Bend is it's slippery and unties, probably, too easily. It's also super bukly.

 

I'm trying to get a handle on whether the knot I described would be suitable for a cordalette or tied perlon slings, things I'll occasionally want to untie (think V-thread or tying around a big ass anchor.) I don't see why not, but that's why I'm asking the question.

Carrick bend is out then. Your rewoven sheet bend should work, or else a double sheet bend, for cordage with a slippery core, such as Spectra. In the double sheet bend you make two loops instead of one.

[Toast]

Yeah, like the second pic

[Macson]

I'm pretty sure a sheet bend is the standard knot for joining ropes of different diameter (in sailing). In your top picture the skinnier rope would be the one coming from the right.

[Toast]

Yeah, the question is, is there any reason you wouldn't use it for climbing?

[Dru]

why not just use the edk?

[catbirdseat]

Because it can come untied too easily.

[Dru]

pfffff