Prussik Knots

[DavidWa]

I prefer to use the Klemheist over the Prussik but that is just because I'm only interested in the pull in one direction when connecting to a tarp. Both knots are essentially the same, just a friction knot.

Anyway. I think if you check a good knotting page the general rule of thumb is that the line used to make the Prussik or Klemheist loop be about 30 - 40 % smaller in diameter than the load line round which it is wrapped.

Though in practice I haven't noticed any real problem with using line of the same diameter to not grip enough. It could be that the binding is caused by using a loop line that is more than 40% smaller in diameter than the load line ( i.e. the ridge-line ) Perhaps the much smaller diameter line compress the load line to much and causes the binding. Or perhaps its something else - like the ridge-line being made like the amsteel line wherein the line is hollow inside and not like other line where it is a sheath wrapped round some fibers inside. I have never had the problem of the prussik/klemheist loop binding my self on any of the line I have used.

fwiw

D

[Albert Skye]

I prefer to use the Klemheist over the Prussik but that is just because I'm only interested in the pull in one direction when connecting to a tarp.

Why not use the Hedden?

[Knotty]

Why not use the Hedden?

With fewer turns than the Klemheist it doesn't hold as well. Otherwise they're essentially the same knot.

[Albert Skye]

With fewer turns than the Klemheist it doesn't hold as well. Otherwise they're essentially the same knot.

I disagree; my experience is consistent with the link I posted.

[Raul Perez]

I used 2.2MM Fling it for my main line and 1.75 Zing it for my prussik knot.

3 wraps for the prussik did not do it for me and the line kept slipping at the figure 9 end. I ended up with 5 wraps with the prussik that held the tarp and 6 wraps for the prussik which held the figure 9 attachment. Everything was holding as expected once I did that.

[TeeDee]

With fewer turns than the Klemheist it doesn't hold as well. Otherwise they're essentially the same knot.

I've never used the Hedden, so can say nothing about it's performance.

But they are distinctly differing knots. Superficially they look the same, but if you trace the manner in which the free ends are threaded through the loop they are different. In fact, the Klemheist is threaded in the manner the link says not to thread the Hedden.

Reverse the direction of pull on either and the threading difference becomes obvious.

[Albert Skye]

Superficially they look the same, but if you trace the manner in which the free ends are threaded through the loop they are different. In fact, the Klemheist is threaded in the manner the link says not to thread the Hedden.

That's contrary to my understanding; i.e., they are the same topologically but different in dressing and direction.

[TeeDee]

That's contrary to my understanding; i.e., they are the same topologically but different in dressing and direction.

I'm assuming the pictures in the links are correct. If they are then what I said stands. If the pictures are not correct, then maybe somebody should alert them.

[TeeDee]

That's contrary to my understanding; i.e., they are the same topologically but different in dressing and direction.

Albert after more study and looking at the pictures, I believe you are correct.