Euro death-knot

Euro death-knot (aka EDK or European Death Knot or Double Overhand) 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 bendFact|date=February 2008 have both been referred to as EDK.

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. Be sure to pull each end of the rope tightly, making the knot as neat and twist-free as possible. [ [http://www.xmission.com/~tmoyer/testing/EDK.html Article on some EDKs] ] [ [http://www.snowdonia-adventures.co.uk/EDK-Table.htm EDK Testing Results] ] 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.

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. Fact|date=May 2008

References

"Warning: rappelling is inherently dangerous and rope systems for rappelling should be set-up by experts."