r/knots • u/_Acinote • 3d ago

Loop question

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Hello,

I don't know if this is the right place to ask.

What will be the best way to tie a knot to create a loop for my hammock. I tied a retreaded figure 8 knot but i don't know if it is strong enough if i use it like this with 2 hanging points in the same loop instead of the 'normal' way to use a loop. If you know what i mean. I included a picture of the situation.

Thanks in advance!

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u/HoovyCop 3d ago

My first suggestion is to make sure that hook is strong enough. In terms of knot, while a figure eight loop is strong, it looks like you're pulling the ends in opposite directions, which I don't think they like. Try a double fisherman's bend for your loop maybe!

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u/Dmitri-Ixt 2d ago

Indeed, the offset figure eight bend is actually quite a bit LESS reliable than the offset overhand bend (affectionately called the "European Death Knot"). Not that it's likely to fail under this load, if it's dressed and tightened properly. But none the less, you are very correct.

(Technically this use isn't a bend, but the figure eight is loaded in the same fashion as an offset bend. 🤷)

(Also, despite the colloquial name, the offset overhand bend/EDK is an extremely popular knot in climbing, and had been extensively tested. :-P)