The Most Difficult Knot to Untie, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the knot you think is the most difficult!
Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:24
Imagine you're on a sailing adventure, the wind brisk against your face, and suddenly, you encounter a knot that just won't budge. The frustration of a stubborn knot can turn a smooth sail into a challenging ordeal. This scenario highlights the practical importance of knowing which knots are notoriously tough to untie.
By voting for the hardest knot to untie, users contribute to a collaborative guide that helps others anticipate and manage difficult situations involving knots. From camping trips to securing loads, understanding which knots might give you a hard time can be crucial. Your input helps create a resource that is beneficial for adventurers, movers, and anyone who relies on strong, reliable knots in their activities.
What Is the Most Difficult Knot to Untie?
-
19votes
The Gordian Knot
GordiusAccording to legend, this knot was impossible to untie and was cut instead by Alexander the Great.The Gordian Knot is a legendary and symbolic knot that is known for its complexity and impossibility to untie by normal means. It is originally an ancient Greek mythological concept, the knot that Alexander the Great encountered in his 4th-century BC conquest of Asia. The knot was created by Gordius, a Phrygian shepherd who later became king of Phrygia.- Origin: Ancient Greece
- Creator: Gordius
- Complexity: Extremely difficult to untie
- Symbolism: Represented a problem with no easy solution or an intricate challenge
- Associated Mythology: Alexander the Great and his conquest of Asia
-
210votesThis knot is known for its tightness and can be difficult to untie without damaging the rope.The Monkey's Fist is a complex knot that is considered one of the most difficult to untie. It is known for its tightness and the intricate pattern it creates. The knot resembles a small fist or a woven ball and is often used as a decorative knot or as a weight at the end of a rope.
- Tightness: The Monkey's Fist is incredibly tight, making it difficult to loosen or untie.
- Complexity: This knot requires a specific tying technique due to its intricate pattern.
- Decorative: The Monkey's Fist is often used as a decorative knot, adding an aesthetically pleasing touch to various items.
- Weighted: When a heavy object is placed in the center of the knot, such as a ball bearing or stone, it can be used as a weight at the end of a rope.
- Nautical Application: The Monkey's Fist has historically been used by sailors for tasks such as throwing lines or as a weight to help with accurate throwing.
-
323votes
The Constrictor Knot
Clifford W. AshleyThis knot is designed to be incredibly secure and can be difficult to untie without using a tool.The Constrictor Knot is a highly secure and powerful knot known for its remarkable grip and resistance to loosening or slipping. It is widely regarded as one of the most difficult knots to untie.- Strength: The Constrictor Knot is exceptionally strong, capable of withstanding heavy loads.
- Grip: It provides an incredibly tight grip, making it suitable for applications requiring firm bindings.
- Resistance to slippage: This knot maintains its tightness with minimal slippage, even when subjected to tension or movement.
- Security: Once tightened, it can be extremely challenging to undo, adding an extra level of security to the knot.
- Versatility: The Constrictor Knot is applicable to various materials, including ropes, cords, and cables.
The Constrictor Knot in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most difficult knot
-
410votes
AnonymousUnknown author · Public domainThis knot can become very tight and difficult to untie if it is not tied correctly.The Bowline Knot is a popular and versatile knot used in various applications.- Difficulty level: Considered easy to learn and tie
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of uses, including boating, camping, and climbing
- Strength: Provides a secure and stable loop, often referred to as the 'king of knots'
- Security: Retains around 60-75% of the rope's strength when properly tied and loaded
- Ease of untying: Historically regarded as difficult to untie after being heavily loaded and wet, but can be easily untied with modern synthetic ropes
-
517votesThis knot is known for its strength and can be difficult to untie due to its complex structure.The Carrick Bend is a symmetrical knot that is known for its stability and strength.
- Type: Bend
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Symmetry: Symmetrical
- Strength: High
- Uses: Joining two heavy ropes or cables
The Carrick Bend in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most difficult knot
-
66votesThis knot tightens when pulled and can be difficult to untie without knowing the proper technique.The Slip Knot is a type of knot known for its ability to tighten when tension is applied and loosen when the tension is released. It belongs to the category of loop knots and is widely used in various applications such as sailing, fishing, and camping. It is named 'slip' because it can slip easily and be undone with a simple pull.
- Difficulty to untie: The Slip Knot is considered one of the most difficult knots to untie.
- Versatility: It can be used for temporary attachments, securing loads, or creating adjustable loops.
- Tightening mechanism: The knot tightens when tension is applied to the working end, making it secure and reliable.
- Ease of tying: It is relatively easy to tie the Slip Knot, which adds to its popularity.
- Common use: It is commonly used in activities like boating, rock climbing, and general utility purposes.
-
712votes
AnonymousUnknown author · Public domainThis knot can become very tight and difficult to untie if it is not tied correctly, especially if it is wet.The Figure Eight Knot is a type of stopper knot that creates a secure loop at the end of a rope. It is commonly used in rock climbing, sailing, and other activities where a strong looped knot is required.- Strength: It is a very strong and secure knot that is difficult to untie.
- Symmetry: The knot is symmetric and maintains the same shape on both sides.
- Ease of tying: It is relatively easy to tie, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users.
- Reliability: The Figure Eight Knot is highly reliable and is trusted by professionals in various fields.
- Versatility: It can be used with different types and sizes of ropes, making it versatile in various applications.
-
87votes
Markus Bärlocher · Public domainThis knot is designed to be very secure and can be difficult to untie without using a tool.The Double Fisherman's Knot is a type of knot that is used to join two ropes together. It is known for its strength and reliability, making it a popular choice for climbers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts. The knot consists of two overhand knots, also known as a double overhand knot, tied in opposite directions to secure the ropes together.- Strength: The Double Fisherman's Knot is known for its exceptional strength, making it suitable for heavy loads and demanding applications.
- Reliability: It is a reliable knot that holds tight and rarely slips or loosens under pressure.
- Versatility: The knot can be used to join different types of ropes, including ropes of various diameters and materials.
- Symmetrical: The knot is symmetrical, which means that it can be tied in either direction, making it easier to remember and tie correctly.
- Compactness: When tied correctly, the Double Fisherman's Knot creates a compact and streamlined joining point between the ropes.
-
95votes
AnonymousUnknown author · Public domainThis knot can become very tight and difficult to untie if it is not tied correctly or if the ropes are different sizes.The Sheet Bend is a type of knot known for its security and difficulty to untie. It is primarily used for joining two ropes of different thicknesses or materials. The knot is formed by passing the working end of one rope through a bight (loop) formed in the other rope, then back under itself.- Security: The Sheet Bend creates a secure and reliable connection between two ropes, even under tension.
- Versatility: It can be used to join ropes of different materials, diameters, or textures.
- Ease of tying: The knot is relatively easy to tie and requires no specialized tools.
- Slip resistance: The Sheet Bend has good resistance to slipping when properly tied.
- Load distribution: It distributes load evenly across both ropes, reducing stress on any single point.
-
108votesThis knot can become very tight and difficult to untie if it is not tied correctly, especially if it is under tension.The Clove Hitch is a knot commonly used for securing a line to a post or pole. It is known for its simple structure and ease of tying and untying.
- Type: Binding knot
- Difficulty: Easy to tie and untie
- Applications: Securing a line to a post or pole
- Versatility: Can be tied with a variety of materials such as ropes, cords, and straps
- Strength: Moderate strength, but can loosen if not properly secured
Missing your favorite knot?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for difficult knot
-
TightnessHow tightly the knot has been tied. The tighter the knot, the more difficult it will be to loosen and untie.
-
ComplexityThe intricacy of the knot's structure. The more complex the knot, the harder it is to identify which parts need to be untangled first.
-
MaterialThe type of rope or cord used can have a significant impact on the ease of untying a knot. Some materials, like nylon, are more prone to stretching and binding, making knots more difficult to untie.
-
SizeThe size of the knot, as well as the thickness and length of the rope or cord, can also be a factor. Larger knots or thicker ropes might be harder to handle and untie.
-
FrictionThe degree to which the knot has become bound due to friction between the strands of the rope. Friction can make it harder to slide the rope through the various bends and loops of the knot, increasing the difficulty of untying it.
-
ConditionThe condition of the rope or cord used can impact the ease of untying a knot. For example, wet or dirty ropes can be more challenging to untangle compared to clean and dry ropes.
-
Experience and skill levelThe knowledge and ability of the person trying to untie the knot is also essential. Understanding the structure and technique used to tie the knot can make it easier to untie.
-
Environmental factorsExternal factors such as cold or wet conditions can make untying knots more difficult due to reduced dexterity or visibility.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult knot to untie. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or knot is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1736 views
- 106 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each knot once every 24 hours. The rank of each knot is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
Trendings topics
Don't miss out on the currently trending topics of StrawPoll Rankings!
More information on most difficult knot to untie
Knots have been used for various purposes since ancient times, from securing cargo on ships to tying knots in ropes for climbing. While knots have proved to be incredibly useful, they can also be notoriously difficult to untie. In fact, some knots require a considerable amount of time and effort to undo, and some are so challenging that they have become a source of frustration for many people.
There are hundreds of different types of knots, each with its unique properties and uses. However, some knots are more challenging to untie than others. Factors such as the type of rope used, the complexity of the knot, and the tension applied can all contribute to the level of difficulty in untying a knot.
Despite the challenges that come with untying knots, there are various methods and techniques that can help. From using lubricants to applying gentle pressure, there are several ways to loosen even the most stubborn knots. However, some knots are so intricate that they may require specialized tools or the assistance of a professional to untie.
So, what is the most difficult knot to untie? While there is no clear answer to this question, some knots, such as the double fisherman's knot and the constrictor knot, are known to be particularly challenging to undo. Regardless of the type of knot, it's essential to approach the untying process with patience and caution to avoid damaging the rope or causing injury.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
