Vertical caving terminology and methods > Knots > Common knots
A bend knot used as a way to join two ropes to make a longer rope, but should only be used with two ropes of identical thickness. Should be combined with a double fisherman's knot for safety, or with stopper knots at each end, in case the ropes are slightly different. A figure of 8 on a bight can be added to one of the tails to provide something to clip a cows tail into. Made from a figure of 8 follow-through knot, which is rethreaded from the wrong end without creating a loop. Just like the figure of 8 on a bight, there is a version that is easier to intentionally untie after loading, and a version that is difficult to untie. The loaded ropes should go around the shoulders of the knot (as shown in the illustration), not the collar of the knot. It is essential to make sure that the second rope is rethreaded from the opposite end to the first rope. If it is rethreaded from the same end (where the knot is sometimes called "flat") the ropes can be pulled in the same manner as cross loading, and the knot can capsize into a form that slowly walks down the ropes until it unties. This can happen at loads as low as 330 kg.
<< Figure of 8 on a bight, figure of 8 loop, figure of 8 follow-through knot, rethreaded figure of 8, Flemish loop | Figure of 8 on a bight bend, figure of 8 on a bight rethreaded bend >>
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