Bends

With the exception of tying to an anchor, a bend is used to tie one line to another line. Some bends are better at joining lines of d issimilar sizes, some are better at resisting failure due to shock loading, and some have value in simply being quick to tie or untie.

Sheet Bend

If you compare the construction of this knot with a bowline side-by-side you will note it is almost identical and may be tied in the same manner. This is a good quick bend for general work but has tendency to slip under shock loads. It is the best knot to tie together two lengths of dissimilar sized line. If this is tied onto a closed loop, instead of another piece of line, it becomes called a becket bend.

Double Sheet Bend

This is not any stronger than a single sheet bend, but is more secure. All the same, seize the ends if being used for towing or anchoring purposes.

Carrick bend

This is as close to a perfectly engineered bend as we are likely to get. In large stuff it is typically tied as shown and the two tails are seized together. Once it takes a strain it will draw itself up into a slightly bulky knot with the tails to one side. This retains a great deal of strength, is very secure, and will almost assuredly not bind or jam.