Euro death-knot
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Euro death-knot (aka EDK or European Death Knot) refers to one of a few flat bend knots used to connect two rope on rappels longer than 50 to 60 meters in length. The Overhand bend and the One-sided Figure 8 bend[citation needed] have both been referred to as EDK.
[edit] Using a European Death Knot
While EDKs have the advantage of pulling more cleanly after a rappel and thus may avoid binding or becoming difficult to retrieve, these knots can also invert leading to catastrophic knot failure (capsizing). Thus the tongue-in-cheek, yet highly memorable, nickname for this group of flat bends.
If using one of these knots, it is recommended to leave the tail longer than twelve inches (305 mm) . This is needed to allow the knot to capsize, avoiding failure. [1][2] The capsizing potential is also decreased by pulling the knot very tightly prior to use.
There are reports that the figure-eight version is less stable than the overhand, due to gentler bends creating less friction in the knot.
[edit] Alternatives
- Figure Eight Bend backed up by stopper knots
- Double Fisherman's Knot The Double-Fisherman's knot that has been in use for at least sixty years, a knot that will not, cannot fail in use. Even the single-Fisherman's knot is safer than the European Death Knot.[citation needed] The knot is not prone to jamming any more than any other knot used to join two ropes together whilst abseiling.
[edit] References
Warning rappelling is inherently dangerous and rope systems for rappelling should be set-up by experts.
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