Page 20 - Duane Raleigh - Knots Ropes for Climbers

Page 19

Double Fisherman's (Grapevine)

As the name suggests, the Double Fisherman's is popular among anglers who don't want the big one to
get away. This knot is famous for joining fishing line, but it works just as well to join two climbing
ropes, although I believe the Figure Eight Follow-Through is safer because it's a simpler knot.

A better use of the Double Fisherman's is for tying cord that's slung through nuts. The knot also works
for joining webbing, but I've never taken to it because I have a hard time getting the thing to look right.
If you do use it for tying together either ropes or cord, make sure you keep the tails about 3 inches
long.

Finally, tie one side of this knot in the end of a rope and it's a solid backup for most other knots.
Though the Double Fisherman's is relegated to an ignominious position in the knot hierarchy, it's the
best knot for securing the tails of all tie-in knots.

Common Use s

Securing nut cordage

Backup knot for most others

Secondary Use

Joining two ropes

Half of a Double Fisherman's tied into the tail