The EDK is officially known as an overhand bend or an overhand flat knot. It would be far better to refer to this knot by one of these names as they do not strike fear into those that use the knot.
The Overhand Bend (AKA Overhand Flat Knot/Euro Death Knot)In this photo the tail is very short and there is no back-up to the Overhand Bend.
Photo from Wikepedia
Most people like the overhand bend for two reasons. First, because of the knot's asymmetrical profile, it tends to pull smoothly over edges and doesn't get caught as easily. And second, it is very easy to untie.
To tie the knot, lay both ends of the rope together. Make sure that they are pointed in the same direction and then make an overhand knot in both ropes at the same time. This is the overhand bend. Most guides tie a backup by adding a second overhand bend next to the first. This will keep the knot from rolling if there are unexpected high loads.
In the past, most climbers tied the overhand bend alone. If the knot is tied by itself without a backup, there must be a significant tail. It is not recommended to tie the overhand bend by itself.
Some people tie an overhand eight in lieu of an overhand bend. This is far more likely to roll than a unbacked-up overhand bend and is not recommended.
Most of our guides tend to tie not only their rappel ropes together with an overhand bend, but their cordelletes as well. Guides tie their cordelletes with this knot because it is easy to untie. A cordellete that may be opened has a great deal more flexibility. It can easily be opened up and used like a webolette. Some like the ability to open up a cordellete because an open cordellete without a welded double-fisherman's knot can be cut up more effectively for anchor material.
Following is a short video from the Canadian guide, Mike Barter, on how to tie a overhand bend.
--Jason D. Martin
So should we be calling this the "Euro double death" knot?
ReplyDeleteThis knot is more accurately described as an 'Offset overhand bend'.
ReplyDeleteThe term 'offset' refers to the fact that the core of the knot is displaced from the 'axis of tension'.
The nominal load that this offset knot needs to withstand is the weight of 1 person. In a typical retrievable abseil setup, the knot only experiences 50% of the total load.
The threshold of instability (where a capsizing event would be triggered) is above 4kN. Furthermore, it is possible to rotate the knot structure so that one of the Standing Parts (SParts) induces a choking effect which in turn retards instability (ie raises the threshold load where instability is triggered).
Provided the knot is properly and diligently dressed and set - no further 'backup' knot is required. And extra long tails aren't necessary.
When joining 2 ropes of differing diameter, orient the thinner diameter rope so it is positioned underneath the larger rope.