Page 38 - Peter Randall "The Craft of the Knot.."

Chapter 2

BASIC 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.

When a bend joins the ends of two ropes, it is to provide more length
or make a needed connection. A bend should be considered 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.

Before working with electrical cords, be sure the electric current to them is turned
off.

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 4.
Bends are characterized by having two standing ends and two running

ends. When tightened down, leave enough length of running 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 around the standing ends of
the opposite rope. You can use anything from a Half Hitch to a Triple
Overhand Knot for this purpose.

Bends vary in how easily they are untied after being under strain.
Since ease of untying may or may not be desirable depending on your

circumstances, you want to keep this property in mind when you choose
your bend. Knots like the Water Knot or the Fisherman’s Knot can be