How To Tie the Vice Versa Bend

Usage

The Vice Versa Bend is a versatile knot used to securely join two ropes together that wont bind up after heavy use. While it’s not as popular as some other bends, it’s useful when working with ropes of different diameters, as it maintains its integrity under uneven pressure.

Why Learn the Knot

Learning the Vice Versa Bend provides the advantage of a secure, non-slipping knot that won’t jam under tension. It can be used if you’re joining ropes for camping shelters, bushcraft projects, or just have slippery / different diameter ropes and cant get any other bend to work. It’s especially useful for creating secure connections that won’t slip, even when exposed to moisture or shifting loads.

Common Uses

• Camping and Bushcraft:
• Joining ropes to extend lines for tents, tarps, or hammocks.
• Securing gear or creating strong, non-slipping lines for camp setups.
• Building bushcraft structures where strong connections between ropes are essential.
• Survival:
• Reliable for setting up emergency shelters, dragging logs, or tying down gear.
• Useful when you need a knot that holds securely but can be untied quickly in urgent situations.
• Household:
• Great for joining ropes during outdoor projects like gardening or temporary rigging.
• Use to secure two ropes when moving heavy objects or for general household tasks.

ABOK Number (Ashley Book of Knots) Not listed Type Bend

Variations N/A Other Names Vice Bend Reversible Bend

Notable Features

• Secure Under Load: The Vice Versa Bend holds tightly under tension, making it ideal for outdoor activities where ropes are subjected to varying pressure.
• Non-Jamming: Even after bearing heavy loads, the knot can easily be untied, providing flexibility for reuse.
• Works with Uneven Ropes: Excellent for joining ropes of different diameters without slipping or coming undone.

Similar Knots

• Double Fisherman’s Bend
• Pros: Extremely secure, great for climbing and high-stress applications.
• Cons: Harder to untie after being loaded.
• Sheet Bend
• Pros: Simple to tie and works well with ropes of different sizes.
• Cons: May slip under heavy load or dynamic conditions.
• Zeppelin Bend
• Pros: Strong and secure, easy to untie after loading.
• Cons: Slightly more complex to tie compared to the Vice Versa Bend.
• Carrick Bend
• Pros: Secure and visually easy to inspect, great for heavy loads.
• Cons: Bulkier than the Vice Versa Bend, which might not be ideal for tight spaces.
• Reever Bend
• Pros: Supposedly slightly more secure
• Cons: Can be confused with the Vice Versa, the two knots are very very similar.

History

The Vice Versa Bend may not be as widely known as some classic knots, but it has proven its reliability over time. Originally developed for applications requiring a non-slipping, secure connection between two ropes, it has become increasingly popular in camping and bushcraft due to its strength and ease of use. Its name comes from the knot’s mirrored structure, which gives it the ability to stay firm even under shifting loads.

The Vice Versa Bend and the Reever Bend are very closely related knots, with the primary difference being how their ends are finished. In both knots, the ropes are crossed over and wrapped around each other, but the finishing positions of the working ends create the variation. The Vice Versa Bend tends to have the working ends on opposite sides, while the Reever Bend may finish with both ends on the same side, supposedly making it slightly more secure.

The Reever Knot, Vice Versa Bend's older sibling, is a fairly old knot and has been in use by the time it was first mentioned in 1928.

Security Level

The Vice Versa Bend is highly secure when tied properly, particularly under load. It is designed to grip tightly without slipping, making it suitable for situations where maintaining tension is critical. Always ensure the knot is well-dressed (neatly tied and tightened) to prevent any slippage, especially when joining ropes of different diameters.

Downsides

While the Vice Versa Bend is a strong and versatile knot, it can be slightly bulkier than simpler bends, which may cause it to snag in some situations. Additionally, care must be taken to dress the knot properly, as improper tying can reduce its effectiveness.

Structure

Step 1:

Lay the two ropes you want to join parallel to each other.

Step 2:

Tie a basic overhand knot with one rope, leaving the other end loose.

Step 3:

Wrap the second rope around the knot in a mirrored fashion, following the same path as the first rope.

Step 4:

Pull both ends tight, ensuring that the knot is properly dressed and all segments are parallel.

Step 5:

Test the knot by applying tension to both ropes to ensure it holds securely.

FAQ

What is the Vice Versa Bend used for?

It’s used to securely join two ropes, ideal for camping, climbing, and general ropework.

Is the Vice Versa Bend easy to untie?

Yes, even after bearing a load, the Vice Versa Bend can be untied without much difficulty.

What’s the difference between the Vice Versa Bend and the Reever Knot?

The Vice Versa Bend and the Reever Bend are structurally similar, but the key difference is how the working ends finish. In the Vice Versa Bend, the ends finish on opposite sides, making it slightly easier to untie, whereas the Reever Bend’s ends finish on the same side, adding extra security but making it harder to untie after heavy use.

Can the Vice Versa Bend handle heavy loads?

Yes, the Vice Versa Bend holds well under tension, though it’s not as strong as the Reever Bend or Double Fisherman’s Bend.

Can the Vice Versa Bend be used with ropes of different sizes?

Yes, it works effectively with ropes of differing diameters, maintaining its stability and security.

What are the main advantages of the Vice Versa Bend over other bends?

It’s secure under load, non-jamming, and works well with ropes of different diameters.

Important Notes on Safety

The Vice Versa Bend is a reliable and secure knot for most general-purpose and outdoor applications. However, like all knots, it should be checked carefully before use, especially in situations where failure could lead to injury or damage. Make sure the knot is well-dressed, with no twists or crossed strands, and test it under tension to ensure it holds before using it for critical tasks.