Knot pass (free hanging)

[IanWalker]

There are lots of old threads about this, I just thought there might be a new recommendation to hear about. (I like when somebody comes along with something better.) With more and more cavers using 8mm (cord) and 8.5mm (rope) I was particularly interested in the differing diameters.

On the other hand, I can't recall seeing anyone join ropes with an unsafe method so it's probably not a big deal.

 

[AlanClark]

Last time I did it I ended up joining a 9mm (fairly new and unused slippery stuff) onto a 10.5mm, it worked but the movement of the 9mm in the knot was noticable, definitely want the back up knot up hill, not that it was pulled towards the main knot in that case.

 

[Ian Ball]

My learning Judson D. Caving Practice & Equipment BCRA 1995, p83
Junction Knots.
Fig-8 Bend
"A variation of the (reversed) fig-8 used to join the ends of two equal diameter ropes"
Plus tales of fig 8 unravelling in Stream causing a 10m fall and broken ankle, possible Ellison, Elliot and Lawson so mid 80s?
I seem to remember ACT saying there is only one knot to consider when joining ropes, but I can't remember what that is!
CP&E does show a reef knot with effectively fishermans knots on either then but it is not very complimentary.

 

[mikem]

The reef knot just makes the fisherman's easier to undo, but creates quite a long section to pass

 

[Cantclimbtom]

On the other hand, I can't recall seeing anyone join ropes with an unsafe method so it's probably not a big deal.

Yeah the people that keep doing that never seem to stay on these forums for long!

 

[rsch]

I seem to remember ACT saying there is only one knot to consider when joining ropes, but I can't remember what that is!

Alpine Caving Techniques, page 75, since you mention it. Just for the sake of completeness.

 

[tomferry]

It’s figure 8 for me .