How to Tie the Double Carrick Bend
Usage
The Double Carrick Bend is commonly used to join two ropes in boating and heavy utility work, creating a strong, symmetrical connection that’s easy to untie. Compared to the Single Carrick Bend, it’s more secure with additional tucks, making it ideal for heavy loads. Its reliability and ease of untying are valued, but it requires careful dressing to prevent collapsing. It is a traditional hawser and heavy-rigging join, not a climbing knot. The main downside is its complexity compared to simpler bends.
Why Learn the Double Carrick Bend?
Its robust, balanced design ensures secure rope joins. It holds well under heavy, steady tension in rigging work.
- High strength: Maintains stability for load-bearing joins.
- Easy to untie: Releases smoothly, even after heavy strain.
- Symmetrical structure: Distributes load evenly across ropes.
- Versatile use: Suits boating and utility rigging.
- Traditional design: Long used for heavy-duty maritime hawser work.
Common Uses
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Boating/Marine:
- Joins ropes for mooring lines or rigging extensions.
- Creates secure connections for heavy-duty boat setups.
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Climbing — do not use:
- Not for slings, anchor systems, or any climbing rope join. No certifying or doctrinal body we have found endorses any Carrick Bend form for life loading.
- The secure lay and the roughly five-times-weaker same-side lay (ABOK #1428) look nearly identical once drawn tight, so a mis-tied Carrick is hard to spot — use a knot rated for life load instead.
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Utility:
- Binds ropes for securing large loads or equipment.
- Creates strong connections for outdoor or household rigging.
ABOK Number
Other Names
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Notable Features
- High strength: Handles tension with minimal slippage.
- Symmetrical design: Promotes even load distribution.
- Jam-resistant: Unties easily after heavy loads.
Variations
The Double Carrick Bend is a variation of the Single Carrick Bend, adding extra tucks for increased security. No other distinct variations are listed.
Similar Knots
Single Carrick Bend vs. Double Carrick Bend
- Pros: Simpler and quicker to tie for lighter loads.
- Cons: Less secure and more prone to slipping under heavy tension.
Zeppelin Bend vs. Double Carrick Bend
- Pros: The Zeppelin Bend is easier to tie and untie, with a simpler structure.
- Cons: Slightly less robust for very heavy loads compared to the Double Carrick Bend.
History
The Double Carrick Bend, referenced in The Ashley Book of Knots (#1439), originated in maritime traditions where strong, reliable rope joins were essential for rigging and towing under heavy loads. Its symmetrical, interwoven structure made it a preferred choice for sailors. Its modern use in boating underscores its effectiveness for secure, easy-to-untie connections in demanding conditions.
Security Level
The Double Carrick Bend provides exceptional strength for joining ropes when tied and dressed correctly, holding firm under heavy loads in mooring and hawser rigging. It performs best with ropes of similar diameter and careful tightening. It is not a life-safety knot: no certifying or doctrinal body we have found endorses any Carrick Bend form for life loading. For heavy but non-critical joins it rivals the Double Fisherman’s Knot, though it’s easier to untie.
Downsides
- Complexity: Requires practice to tie and dress properly.
- Collapsing risk: May become unstable if not dressed symmetrically.
Structure
- Lay the two rope ends parallel, pointing in opposite directions.
- Form a loop with the working end of the first rope over the second rope.
- Pass the second rope’s working end under the first rope’s loop, then over and under again, weaving it through.
- Repeat the weaving pattern, tucking each working end under its own standing line to create additional tucks.
- Pull both standing lines to tighten, dressing the knot to ensure symmetry and security.
Pro Tip: Dress the knot carefully to prevent it from collapsing into an unstable form. Use ropes of similar diameter and pull evenly to test security.
Check the lay before you tighten. The two working ends must leave the knot diagonally opposite each other. The same-side lay (ABOK #1428) is roughly five times weaker and looks nearly identical once drawn tight, so a load-bearing Carrick you did not tie and check yourself should be re-tied rather than trusted. Leave long tails — 10-20 cm (about 8-12 rope diameters) on any heavy join — because the bend slips a little as it capsizes into its working form under first load.
The weaving pattern takes a few repetitions to sink in, and it helps to watch each tuck in slow motion — you can step through the Double Carrick Bend in 3D with the Knot IQ app. If you'd rather drill it with real rope in hand, the Knot Tying Kit and the Knot IQ Companion Kits pair practice cord with the same step-by-step references.
FAQ
Is the Double Carrick Bend strong enough for climbing?
No. No certifying or doctrinal body we have found endorses any Carrick Bend form for life loading, and the secure lay is hard to tell from the far weaker same-side lay once tightened. Keep it to utility, mooring, and hawser joins, and use a knot rated for life load for climbing.
What’s the best rope for the Double Carrick Bend?
Nylon or polyester ropes of similar diameter, like 8–10mm, work well.
How does the Double Carrick Bend compare to the Zeppelin Bend?
The Double Carrick is stronger for heavy loads, but the Zeppelin is simpler to tie.
Can the Double Carrick Bend be used in boating?
Yes, it’s ideal for joining mooring lines or rigging under tension.
Why choose the Double Carrick Bend over a Single Carrick Bend?
It’s more secure for heavy loads, though slightly harder to tie.
Important Notes on Safety
Common failure points include improper dressing or uneven tension, which can cause the knot to collapse or slip. Always verify the knot is symmetrical and tight before loading. Check ropes for wear or damage before tying. Ensure even tightening to balance the load across both ropes. Practice in low-stakes settings to master the technique.
