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How to Tie a Double Fisherman's Knot

Intermediate
🧗 Climbing🔒 Cord join🏔️ Rappel

The double fisherman's knot joins two rope ends in a permanent, extremely strong connection — the standard for making Prusik loops and joining rappel ropes.

How to Tie a Double Fisherman's Knot Step by Step

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Written Instructions — Double Fisherman's Knot

  1. Overlap two lines Overlap both lines by 8 inches, tag ends pointing opposite directions.
  2. Double overhand on Line A With Line A's tag, tie a double overhand (two wraps) around Line B. Leave loose.
  3. Double overhand on Line B Mirror exactly: double overhand with Line B's tag around Line A, in opposite direction.
  4. Slide knots together Pull main lines apart. The two knots slide toward each other and interlock.
  5. Inspect You should see two X-patterns — one from each double overhand. Both sides symmetrical.

Tips for Tying a Double Fisherman's Knot

  • The most important check: both double overhands must mirror each other exactly — same number of wraps, opposite directions.
  • Once loaded heavily the double fisherman's is nearly impossible to untie — use it only for permanent connections.
  • For making Prusik loops: join cord ends with double fisherman's, then dress the knot carefully before use.
  • The double fisherman's will hold even if one knot fails — the two interlocked knots back each other up.

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