How To Tie the Flat Overhand Bend
Usage
The Flat Overhand Bend is used to join two ropes together in perhaps the simplest way possible. Despite its simplicity, the Flat Overhand Bend is highly reliable when used properly. So reliable in fact, that it’s used quite a bit in climbing and mountaineering - mainly for rappelling when the descent requires more rope length than a single length provides. The knot's compact profile allows it to pass easily over rough surfaces without snagging, making it perfect for long rappels.
It’s usage goes way beyond climbing and because of its simplicity can be used in nearly every application where one wants to tie two ropes together.
Why Learn the Knot
It’s a simple, easy and reliable way to connect two ropes together - plain and simply.
Common Uses
- Climbing and Mountaineering:
- Joining two ropes for rappelling or abseiling over long distances.
- Reducing snagging in tricky descents.
- Camping and Bushcraft:
- Tying together two pieces of rope for securing tarps or shelters.
- Used to extend lines or connect ropes when setting up tents, hammocks, or clotheslines.
- Scouts:
- Learning the Flat Overhand Bend as part of essential knot-tying skills.
- Using it to join ropes for temporary shelters or camp gadgets.
- Farm
- Used in balers to tie hay and straw.
- Household:
- Useful for tying two ropes together for tasks like pulling, rigging, or moving.
ABOK Number(Ashley Book of Knots)
Type
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Variations
Other Names
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Notable Features
- Offset Design: The knot’s offset core allows it to pass easily over edges, making it perfect for rappelling over uneven terrain or 90-degree edges.
- Compact: Low-profile design reduces the risk of snagging in cracks or around corners.
- Easy to Tie: One of the simplest bends to tie, even under pressure or fatigue, which is why it's favored in the climbing world.
- Quick to Untie: While secure under tension, it can be quickly untied after the load is removed.
- Easily Dressable: The knot must be properly dressed to prevent rolling or capsizing, particularly in dynamic or icy conditions.
Similar Knots
- Double Fisherman’s Bend
- Pros: Extremely secure and strong, ideal for heavy-duty climbing applications.
- Cons: Bulkier and much harder to untie after loading.
- Double Overhand Bend
- Pros: More secure than the Flat Overhand Bend and still maintains a relatively low profile.
- Cons: Slightly bulkier and more challenging to untie after load.
- Water Knot
- Pros: Excellent for joining webbing and flat materials, commonly used in canyoneering and river crossings.
- Cons: Not as secure with dynamic or round ropes; better suited for webbing.
- Zeppelin Bend
- Pros: Exceptionally secure and easy to untie after loading, doesn’t jam.
- Cons: Slightly more complex to tie than other bends.
- Alpine Butterfly Bend
- Pros: Very strong and secure, excellent for joining ropes under load.
- Cons: More complicated to tie compared to simpler bends.
- Square Knot (Reef Knot)
- Pros: Easy to tie and untie, commonly used in non-load-bearing applications.
- Cons: Prone to slipping under load, not recommended for critical uses.
History
The Flat Overhand Bend is one of the oldest known knots, dating back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence suggests it was used as early as 3300 BC, with examples found among the possessions of Ötzi the Iceman. In modern climbing, this knot became infamous as the European Death Knot (EDK) due to concerns over its perceived weakness, particularly in the United States. Despite its fearsome nickname, when tied and dressed properly - making sure it has very long tails- the EDK has a strong track record in climbing and rappelling, proving its reliability for joining ropes during long descents.
Security Level
The Flat Overhand Bend is secure when used correctly, but it requires proper dressing and long tails (at least 30-50 cm) to prevent capsizing under heavy loads. While it can roll under extreme tension, especially in wet or icy conditions, this risk is mitigated by ensuring the knot is tight and tails are long. Some climbers add a second overhand knot for additional security.
Downsides
- Capsizing Risk: Under extreme tension or if improperly tied, the knot can roll, which could potentially lead to failure. This is especially true in wet or icy conditions or when ropes of differing diameters are joined.
- Difficult to Untie After Heavy Load: Like many bends, it can be hard to untie after bearing significant weight.
- Not Ideal for Uneven Ropes: When tying ropes of different diameters, additional care must be taken to prevent the knot from capsizing.
Structure
Step 1:
Lay the two rope ends parallel to each other.
Step 2:
Treat the two ropes as one and tie a basic overhand knot, pulling the ropes through the loop.
Step 3:
Dress the knot neatly, ensuring there are no twists or tangles, and pull tight.
Step 4:
Make sure the tails are at least 30-50 cm (12-20 inches) long to reduce the risk of rolling.
Step 5:
For additional safety, you can tie a second overhand knot close to the first one.
FAQ
What is the Flat Overhand Bend used for?
The knot is used to join two ropes, particularly in climbing and mountaineering for long rappels or descents.
Is the Flat Overhand Bend safe for rappelling?
Yes, when properly tied and dressed with long tails, it is safe for rappelling.
However, care must be taken to prevent rolling, particularly in icy or wet conditions.
Can I use the Flat Overhand Bend with ropes of different diameters?
Yes, but the thinner rope should be placed under the thicker rope, and extra care should be taken to dress the knot properly.
Why is it called the European Death Knot (EDK)?
The name originated from concerns in the United States that the knot could roll under heavy loads. Despite the name, it is safe when tied correctly with long tails
Is there a safer alternative to the Flat Overhand Bend?
The Double Fisherman’s Bend or a properly tied Figure-Eight Bend may provide more security in certain situations, but they are bulkier and harder to untie.
Important Notes on Safety
The Flat Overhand Bend must be tied with long tails and neatly dressed to prevent capsizing under load. Always verify the knot is properly tightened before use, especially in rappelling or climbing scenarios. Although it is secure when used correctly, it should not be used in life-critical situations without proper training and inspection. Avoid using it with uneven ropes unless dressed carefully.
