Securely joins two ropes of similar size.
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Double Fisherman’s Bend Details
Found in: Arborist, Bends, Climbing, Scouting, Search & Rescue
Also known as: Grapevine Bend
Structure: The Double Fisherman’s, or Grapevine, Bend (ABOK # 294, p 50.) consists of two Strangle Knots. They tie around each other’s standing end, like double overhand knots. But, because another line creates it, this structure may not be obvious.
Warning: For the animation, they left the ends short. For critical loads, such as when climbing, you must leave the ends much longer.
Safety: For load-bearing with modern high-modulus ropes such as Spectra, Dyneema, or Kevlar/Technora, use a Triple Fisherman’s knot. In each stopper knot, the rope passes around a third time before threading back through the loops. The triple, or even quadruple, version is also used by fishermen to join two lengths of fishing line.
Uses: The Double Fisherman’s (Grapevine Bend) is a method to connect two line ends. It forms a Prusik Loop and is a reliable way to join two climbing ropes. You can use it for a full rope-length abseil, after which you should still be able to retrieve the rope.
Inspection: The Double Fisherman’s (Grapevine Bend) is not complicated. Someone can tie it in a way that causes failure. If you tie it and your life depends on it, inspect it with thorough attention. If someone else ties it, inspect it with great care.
Pros: The Double Fisherman’s knot is a trusted, compact choice for retrieving an abseil.
Cons: The Double Fisherman can lock up with such tightness that it resembles a weld. The Zeppelin Bend is a standard way to join climbing ropes. It’s easier to undo than other knots because it doesn’t jam. The Figure 8 Bend can become bulkier, especially when you add stopper knots for safety. It is easy to teach and inspect in comparison to other tasks.
(Reference source: animatedknots.com)
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