Page 84 - Randy Penn Everything Knots Book

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5

Tying Bends

A KNOT USED TO JOIN THE ENDS OF TWO ROPES is called a
bend. The knots you will find in this chapter will join cordage small
and large, similar and different—a skill that you will find useful in
many endeavors.

Uses and Useful Tips

When a bend joins the ends of two ropes, it is to provide more
length or make a needed connection. A bend should be consid-
ered a temporary join, except in the case of small cordage such
as twine or fishing line. You may need a bend to repair a broken
rope (keeping in mind that rope is weaker at the knot). You can
use a bend to join electrical cords. When the ends are plugged in,
they will not pull out if there is tension on the cord.
When used to join the ends of a single rope, a bend makes a
circle of rope called a “strop” or “sling.” A closed circle of rope can
be used for hitching or lifting, such as the Barrel Sling described in
Chapter 7.
Bends are characterized by having two standing ends and two
running ends. When tightened down, leave enough length of run-
ning end to provide security against the ends slipping back through
the knot. Depending on the knot, the length of the running end can
be anywhere from a few to several times the diameter of the rope.
If extra security is desired, the running ends can even be tied

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