iceclimer Posted January 21, 2003 Posted January 21, 2003 I'm looking for everyone's opinion on tying two ropes together for a long rappel. I've heard two different stories regarding which knot to use. I've heard the figure eight can fold back on itself causing it to untie, but if you have a backup knot, are you still in danger? The pro I've heard to this knot is that it can be pulled around corners much more easily keeping the rope from getting stuck. I've heard the double fisherman's knot is stronger with less room for error in this application. However, it may become stuck when pulling it over a corner because of the barrel shape around the natural lay of the rope. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!! Quote
erik Posted January 21, 2003 Posted January 21, 2003 (edited) single overhand knot...aka the euro death knot. figure 8 can untie and the fishermans is bulky make sure you have atleast 6" tails from each rope Edited January 21, 2003 by erik Quote
iain Posted January 21, 2003 Posted January 21, 2003 figure 8 can untie and the fishermans is bulky there are two figure 8's out there that fire up this little controversy. Using a figure 8 in a euro death knot config is dangerous as said above. It can be used like a square knot though, with the tails backed up. No real point that I can see though. EDK seems to work just fine. Quote
Sargent_Rock Posted January 21, 2003 Posted January 21, 2003 I have to agree with those who believe that the euro death knot is the best knot for tying two rappel ropes together. Less chance of it getting stuck; easy to untie after the rappels. Sarg Quote
iceclimer Posted January 21, 2003 Author Posted January 21, 2003 Is the EDK tied with both ropes together like a regular overhand knot or is it re-woven? Quote
catbirdseat Posted January 21, 2003 Posted January 21, 2003 Is the EDK tied with both ropes together like a regular overhand knot or is it re-woven? Not rewoven. Tied with both ropes together. Rewoven, it would be like a water knot, except that it would not hold. The water knot is only for webbing. Quote
catbirdseat Posted January 21, 2003 Posted January 21, 2003 If you don't like the double fisherman because it is bulky and hard to untie, and you don't like the EDK because it scares you, then consider the square knot backed up on each side with a half fisherman. It is still very bulky, but is very secure and easier to untie than a double fisherman. Quote
Bill_Simpkins Posted January 21, 2003 Posted January 21, 2003 The backed up square knot is good, but I still prefer the EDK. It's very fast, simple, and I've never had a problem untieing it. Quote
Dr_Flash_Amazing Posted January 21, 2003 Posted January 21, 2003 So, given that the EDK is the knot of choice, why the menacing moniker? Quote
Wallstein Posted January 21, 2003 Posted January 21, 2003 make sure you have atleast 6" tails from each rope 6" isn't nearly enough, unless you really want to tie the death knot. I would leave at least 12" but I almost always leave 18" Quote
iain Posted January 21, 2003 Posted January 21, 2003 Sounds great! Thanks! I'd recommend you confirm we are talking about the same thing with someone showing you the knot. Would be a bummer if the was some miscommunication. Quote
iain Posted January 21, 2003 Posted January 21, 2003 So, given that the EDK is the knot of choice, why the menacing moniker? It looks sketchy as hell when you tie it. Quote
catbirdseat Posted January 21, 2003 Posted January 21, 2003 Please do not adopt the EDK until you've been shown the knot in practice by someone who has used it. It works if done right. I'll kill you if done wrong. Quote
Dru Posted January 21, 2003 Posted January 21, 2003 what the problem catbirdseat. An overhand knot with long tails on the same side. Simplest knot out there. Quote
Dru Posted January 21, 2003 Posted January 21, 2003 The wonders of Google Image Search Tails should be longer. Quote
minx Posted January 21, 2003 Posted January 21, 2003 Dru- you're right it is a simple knot but do you really think no one has ever messed up a simple knot? Quote
David_Parker Posted January 21, 2003 Posted January 21, 2003 What about a figure 8 when you follow it backwards....ie the tails are at opposite ends of the knot. Anyone do that? Quote
iain Posted January 21, 2003 Posted January 21, 2003 The wonders of Google Image Search Did you get that off a licorice retailer's website? Quote
iain Posted January 21, 2003 Posted January 21, 2003 What about a figure 8 when you follow it backwards....ie the tails are at opposite ends of the knot. Anyone do that? see the image in a post near the beginning...I think that's what you are talking about. Nice to see the monthly rope-joining knot discussion is in full swing again. Quote
iceclimer Posted January 21, 2003 Author Posted January 21, 2003 Will do. I wouln't go on verbal or typed information alone. Quote
Greg_W Posted January 21, 2003 Posted January 21, 2003 It works if done right. I'll kill you if done wrong. That's some strong language there, Catbirdseat. Quote
Dr_Flash_Amazing Posted January 21, 2003 Posted January 21, 2003 Wait a sec, Dru. The image you posted shows the rope followed through the knot like a ring bend. Wasn't someone just saying not to follow it through, but to just take the two ends together and tie an overhand knot? Oh, this is SO confusing! Quote
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