What is the Carrick Bend used for?

Joining two thick or stiff ropes in a nautical setting; Splicing mooring lines and towing hawsers under heavy strain; Joining ropes of similar diameter that need to pass through blocks or openings; Serving as the base for the Carrick Mat and other decorative work; Making joints that will need to be untied even after a lot of load.

How do you tie the Carrick Bend?

The Carrick Bend joins two thick ropes in a symmetrical, elegant interlace that tightens under strain yet remains easy to untie afterward. It's especially prized in nautical work for holding well on stiff, heavy rope, where simpler knots slip or jam. Follow the illustrated step-by-step, with a photo for every stage, on Desbravai.

Is the Carrick Bend hard to tie?

The Carrick Bend is rated medium, in the Bends category and is taught with a photo at every stage on Desbravai.

What precautions apply when using the Carrick Bend?

If the tails don't end up on opposite sides, the knot doesn't lock properly and can slip; On thin, flexible rope it jams too tightly and loses some of its easy-untie advantage; Always check the symmetry of the interlace before applying load.

Carrick Bend

Q: What other names does the Carrick Bend have?

It is also known as Carrick Bend, Full Carrick Bend, Sailor's Breastplate, Nudo Carrick, Vuelta Carrick, Nó de escota Carrick, Nœud de Carrick. (ABOK #1439)

Joins two thick ropes securely, and stays easy to untie even after heavy strain

Also called: Carrick Bend, Full Carrick Bend, Sailor's Breastplate, Nudo Carrick, Vuelta Carrick, Nó de escota Carrick, Nœud de Carrick · ABOK #1439

What it is for

Joining two thick or stiff ropes in a nautical setting
Splicing mooring lines and towing hawsers under heavy strain
Joining ropes of similar diameter that need to pass through blocks or openings
Serving as the base for the Carrick Mat and other decorative work
Making joints that will need to be untied even after a lot of load