The Figure 8 bend (or Flemish bend) is used to join two ropes of similar size together.
If you know how to tie the Figure 8 knot, then you can tie the Figure 8 Bend in similar way.
To tie the Figure 8 bend, just tie a Figure 8 knot on one rope and retrace the path of the original knot with a second piece of rope.
Let’s learn this knot in detail.
Figure 8 Bend Knot Details
Type: Bend
Other Names: Flemish Bend, Double Figure 8 Bend, Rewoven Figure 8 Bend
ABoK Reference: #1411
How to Tie a Figure 8 Bend
- Make a Figure 8 knot with the blue rope.
- Pass the red rope through the blue loops.
- Follow the Figure 8 with the red rope next to the blue one.
- Tighten the knot.
You have tied this knot correctly if both ends of the tail are on the OPPOSITE SIDES of the knot.
Also, the two strands don’t cross each other and are parallel to each other at every crossing.
Note: For critical and heavy loads, leave at least 1 foot of tail for each strand of the rope to prevent the knot from slipping through.
Pro TIP: Add a Double Overhand Stopper
A properly dressed Figure 8 bend does not require an additional backup knot per se.
But, if you want to secure the knot further tie a Double overhand stopper knot around the standing ends of both ropes.
Common Misconception about the Flat 8 Bend Knot
The Figure 8 bend is often misunderstood for the Flat Figure 8 knot.
To make it clear, both are two different knots.
In fact, the Flat 8 bend is the inferior version of joining two ropes together and should be avoided for any critical applications especially climbing.
So, how do you identify this knot?
The Figure 8 bend is tied by making a Figure 8 with one rope and retracing the second rope through the first Figure 8.
On the other hand, the Flat Figure 8 is tied like a Figure 8 on a bight.
At first glance, both look similar. But, the Flat Figure 8 has both ends of the tail on the SAME SIDE of the knot.
This knot tends to roll under load which makes it dangerous in critical applications like rappelling.
Another knot that is confused with the Flat 8 bend is called the European Death Knot (Flat Overhand bend).
The European death knot is safer than the Flat 8 bend.
But, if you need a more secure knot for joining two ropes, the Double Fisherman’s bend is the best option.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to tie and untie after heavy loading
- Easy to inspect
Cons
- Can’t be used with ropes of different diameter
- Bulky in size
- Can jam
Applications and Uses
The Figure 8 Bend Knot is used to connect two ropes of similar sizes.
It’s used in search & rescue operations, climbling and DIY applications.
Knots Like the Figure 8 Bend
Double Fisherman’s Bend
The Double Fisherman’s bend is stronger than the Figure 8 knot.
It’s used in climbing to form a fixed loop like the Prussik loop that connects the rope to the carabiner.
After going through the heavy loading, it can jam and is difficult to untie.
Zeppelin Bend
The Zeppelin bend is an ideal knot for joining two ropes of similar sizes.
It’s strong and handles the effects of slack shacking and cyclic loading.
But, it’s not a very well known knot. In fact, it’s not mentioned in the original publication of the Ashley Book of Knots.
Alpine Butterfly Bend
The Alpine Butterfly bend is used to join ends of two ropes of similar size.
It’s a secure bend that can be untied easily after being heavily loaded.
But, it can be harder to learn for the beginners.
Flat Overhand Bend
The Flat overhand bend (Also known as European Death Knot) is one of the easy knots to tie, but is less secure than other bend knots.
It’s often confused with the Flat Figure 8 bend which tends to roll up and fail.
The Flat Overhand bend has a good track record but can fail in wet and icy conditions.
That’s it for this guide.
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