Bends
Water Knot
Ring bend, tape knot
DIFFICULTY ●●○○○
A commonly used knot for joining flat webbing: tie a loose overhand in one end, then retrace it with the other end so the tape lies flat. Inspect the tails and follow the webbing manufacturer’s guidance.
See it tied step-by-step ↗Why it earns its place
Keeps webbing flat and full-strength through the join, which no rope bend can do. The standard for tied slings and anchor material.
Where it fails
Known to creep with repeated loading and unloading — leave long tails and inspect them every use. Retired climbing webbing has failed at poorly maintained water knots.
Quick facts
| Type | Webbing bend |
| Under load | Very good |
| Untying | Difficult |
| Best for | Joining flat webbing |