Double Fisherman's Bend
Two double overhand (strangle) knots tied around each other's standing parts. The gold standard for permanently joining two ropes or closing a cordelette loop.
How to tie the Double Fisherman's Bend
- Lay the two rope ends parallel in opposite directions with enough overlap for two complete wraps on each side.
- Wrap the first working end twice around the other rope, moving back toward the center of the overlap.
- Pass that working end through both wraps and tighten them into a compact Double Overhand Knot around the other rope.
- Repeat the same two-wrap process with the second working end around the first rope.
- Dress each component knot separately, then pull the standing parts apart until the two knots meet firmly.
How to inspect it
Each side should form a compact two-wrap barrel around the opposite rope. The two barrels should mirror one another and meet at their inner faces, with adequate tails extending beyond them.
Common mistakes
A hidden crossed wrap, only one wrap on one side, or insufficient overlap weakens the intended structure. This bend can become extremely difficult to untie after high loading, so it is a poor choice when frequent adjustment is expected.
Rope and material notes
The Double Fisherman's Bend is widely used with similar-diameter accessory cord, but suitability depends on cord construction and manufacturer guidance. Very slick high-modulus cord may require additional wraps or a different splice or knot.
Safety note: These steps support practice and recognition. Climbing, rescue, lifting, towing, and other critical systems require qualified instruction and equipment-specific procedures.
Which knot should you choose?
Choose the Double Fisherman's Bend for a compact, durable join in similar cord when permanence matters more than easy untying. Choose a Zeppelin Bend when post-load release is a priority and the ropes and application permit it.
Why it earns its place
So secure it's treated as permanent — this is how climbers join rappel ropes and tie prusik loops. Properly dressed, it simply does not come undone.
Where it fails
Genuinely permanent: after real loading, plan on cutting rather than untying. Leave tails a few inches long and check that the paired knots nest neatly against each other.
Quick facts
| Type | Life-safety bend |
| Under load | Maximum |
| Untying | Effectively permanent |
| Best for | Rappel ropes, prusik loops |
External reference
KnotStyle provides the selection advice, written practice sequence, inspection points, and cautions above. Use this independent animation as an additional visual reference.
View external animation ↗Source and editorial notes
Reference: Animated Knots by Grog: Double Fisherman's Bend. Source checked 2026-09-30. Selection advice and difficulty ratings are editorial judgments, not strength tests. How this guide is prepared.