Sheet bend
Bend · easy · also called Single becket bend, Weaver's knot
Used for
- Joining two lines, including lines of different sizes, such as lengthening a dock line or tow line
- Tying a line to an eye splice in another line
How to tie it
- Make a U-shaped bight in the end of the thicker or stiffer line and hold it.
- Pass the end of the thinner line up through the bight from underneath.
- Take it around behind both legs of the bight.
- Tuck it under its own standing part, not under the bight.
- Pull on the thinner line's standing part and on the bight to tighten.
Check it: Both short ends come out on the same side of the knot, and the thinner line forms a loop behind the bight with an X on the front. If the ends are on opposite sides, retie it; Ashley rates that version as inferior.
Cautions
- It can loosen when the lines go slack and flog. For very different sizes, wet or slippery line, or heavy strain, use the double sheet bend.
- Tie it with no load on either line.
- A knot is a temporary join; for a permanent one, splice.
To untie: Take the load off, push the ends together and roll the bight back. It comes apart easily even after being loaded.
Sources (5)
higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com · media.defense.gov · boatingcompass.org · marines.mil · en.wikipedia.org
General guidance for recreational boaters, researched from the sources listed and written in our own words. Your equipment manuals, local knowledge, the Navigation Rules and a qualified instructor come first.