The Sheet Bend

Boating Index Boating Uses Bowline Turn 2 Hitches Cleat Hitch Rolling Hitch Sheet Bend Square (Reef) Figure 8 Constrictor Bowline - Bight Anchor Bend Eye Splice Chain Splice Buntline Hitch Trucker's Hitch Carrick Bend Clove Hitch

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How to tie the Sheet Bend

Form a loop in the thicker rope and hold it in one hand. Pass the thinner piece of rope through the loop and then round the loop. Take care to go round the short end first then round the long end. Finally, tuck the smaller rope back under itself to finish the Sheet Bend.

More details about the The Sheet Bend

The Sheet Bend

Uses: The Sheet Bend (ABOK # 1431, p 262) is recommended for joining two ropes of unequal size. The larger rope must be used for the simple bight as shown. It works equally well if the ropes are of the same size.

It would replace the Reef (Square) knot except for the awkward fact that it has to be tied with both ends loose in your hands with no load on the ropes (The reef - with all its faults - can be tied tight against a sail, or parcel, and usually stays tight while the second half hitch is tied).

Double Sheet Bend When the ropes are markedly different in size, the bitter end of the smaller rope can be taken twice round the bight in the larger rope to create the double sheet bend.

Structure: When correctly tied the two ends lie on the same side of the knot. The alternative version - with the ends on opposite sides - is less reliable.

Disclaimer: Any activity that involves ropes is potentially hazardous. Lives may be at risk - possibly your own. Considerable attention and effort have been made to ensure that these descriptions are accurate. However, many critical factors cannot be controlled, including: the choice of materials; the age, size, and condition of ropes; and the accuracy with which these descriptions have been followed. No responsibility is accepted for incidents arising from the use of this material.

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