What is the Flat Overhand Bend used for?

Joining two rappel ropes to double the reach of the descent; Making rope retrieval easier by sliding over edges without snagging; Quick rope joins for rappelling in climbing and canyoning; Situations calling for a low-profile knot that's easy to inspect.

How do you tie the Flat Overhand Bend?

The Flat Overhand Bend joins two rappel ropes with a simple overhand knot tied with both ends side by side (an offset overhand). Its advantage is a flat profile that snags less when pulled over rock edges during rope retrieval. In exchange, it demands long tails and careful tying to be safe. Follow the illustrated step-by-step, with a photo for every stage, on Desbravai.

Is the Flat Overhand Bend hard to tie?

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

What precautions apply when using the Flat Overhand Bend?

It can roll over on itself under load if the tails are too short — this has caused fatal accidents; Leave long tails, at least 30 cm, and tighten each of the four ends firmly; Use only the simple offset overhand; the offset figure 8 version is more dangerous and rolls over more easily; Never use it with very different rope diameters without specific knowledge.

Flat Overhand Bend

Q: What other names does the Flat Overhand Bend have?

It is also known as Flat Overhand Bend, Offset Overhand Bend, European Death Knot, EDK, Nudo plano simple, Nudo de encuentro simple, Nó cego de união, Nó plano de rapel.

Joins two rappel ropes with an offset overhand — flat, snags less on edges, needs long tails to be safe

Also called: Flat Overhand Bend, Offset Overhand Bend, European Death Knot, EDK, Nudo plano simple, Nudo de encuentro simple, Nó cego de união, Nó plano de rapel

What it is for

Joining two rappel ropes to double the reach of the descent
Making rope retrieval easier by sliding over edges without snagging
Quick rope joins for rappelling in climbing and canyoning
Situations calling for a low-profile knot that's easy to inspect