Joins two ropes and avoids the risk of jamming.
VIDEO
Zeppelin Bend Details
Found in: Arborist, Bends, Boating, Climbing
Uses: The Zeppelin Bend is one of the bends employing interlocking overhand knots. You can untie this reliable bend even after heavy loading, but you cannot untie it while it is still under load. It’s a great choice compared to the common Double Fisherman’s. It removes the risk of jamming.
Warning: For the Video, they left the ends short. For critical loads, such as when climbing, you must leave the ends much longer.
Zeppelin Stories: People say the Zeppelin Bend secures airships, though this is very unlikely. Vice Admiral Charles Rosendahl, Commanding Officer of the American Zeppelin (Los Angeles/ZR3), decided to moor his airship at Zeppelin Bend. These stories now seem improbable. Giles Camplin, the Editor of the Journal Dirigible from the Airship Heritage Trust, shared this in Issue No. 60, Summer 2010:
- The docking procedure usually involves securing two wires together with shackles.
- In later life, Rosendahl claimed ignorance of the knot.
- You cannot untie the Zeppelin knot under load.
- Using a bend to join two ropes would be an awkward way to moor anything.
- A rigger who flew on the R100 reported that he always used a Rolling Hitch.
Similar Knots:
The Zeppelin Bend is quite like other bends. These include the Ashley Bend, Hunter’s Bend, and Alpine Butterfly Bend. Most of these knots use interlocking overhand knots. The ends go through or across the middle. David M. Delaney tested these bends and the Carrick Bend for their tendency to jam. He loaded the knots with significant weight, tied in 1/16 inch braided nylon. The Ashley and the Hunter’s jammed tight, requiring cutting to release them. You can untie the Alpine Butterfly Bend, Zeppelin, and Carrick with your fingers and nails. Avoid the Ashley and Hunter’s bends if you are using linked overhand knots.
Tying it: The way the loops interlock and how the ends go through the center are important. The Zeppelin Bend is secure and easy to untie. But it looks like other bends with interlocking overhand knots. This can lead to confusion and mistakes. We also suggest using the Alpine Butterfly Bend. Tie it the same way as the Alpine Butterfly Loop. Technique is key. Roo warns that improper tying can create an Evil Impostor.
Advantages: The Zeppelin Bend is reliable with very little tendency to slip or bind. Testing by Roo showed the knot is very secure and shake-resistant for all materials. In this respect, he regards it as superior to the Alpine Butterfly Bend.
Disadvantages: It is critical to ensure that you tie it in the correct manner. After tying it, you may find it hard to distinguish it from the less satisfactory Hunter’s Bend.
(Reference source: animatedknots.com)
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