Join two ropes with a double fisherman's bend
Two ends that each wrap around the other and lock together. Climbers use it to join cord into a loop that won't come undone.
- Lay the two rope ends side by side, overlapping, pointing in opposite directions.
- Wrap one end twice around both ropes, then tuck it back through those two turns and pull tight.
- Do the same with the other end: two turns around both ropes, back through, pull tight.
- Pull the two ropes apart so the two knots slide together and sit snugly side by side.
Tip: It can jam so tight it's nearly impossible to untie, so use it where you want a permanent join. For anything your life depends on, leave long tails and get it checked by someone trained.
Try it now: Join the two ends of a shoelace into a loop, then pull the loop hard from inside.
Next crumbs
- 🪢 KnotsJoin two ropes with a sheet bendRope too short? The sheet bend ties two ropes together, even a thick one to a thin one.
- 🪢 KnotsGrip a rope with a prusik knotA loop of cord that slides along a rope when loose and grabs tight when pulled. It's how climbers ascend a rope.
- 🪢 KnotsTie an alpine butterfly loopA strong, fixed loop in the middle of a rope, with no ends needed. Wrap it around your hand and it's done in seconds.