Knot of the Month - Double Fisherman's Knot

Overview

• Structure: The Double Fisherman’s, or Grapevine, Bend (ABOK # 294, p 50.) consists of two Strangle Knots (like double overhand knots) each tied round the other standing end. However, because it is created around another line, this structure may not be obvious.

  Warning: For the Animation, the ends were left short. For critical loads, e.g., when Climbing, the ends must be left much longer.

  Uses: The Double Fisherman’s (Grapevine Bend) is the way to join two ends of a line to form a Prusik Loop and is also an excellent and reliable way of joining two climbing ropes. It can be used for a full rope-length abseil; after which it should still be possible to retrieve the rope.

  Inspection: The Double Fisherman’s (Grapevine Bend) is not complicated. Nevertheless, it can be tied wrongly and then fail. If you tie it and your life depends on it, inspect it carefully. If someone else ties it, inspect it extremely carefully.