Zeppelin bend
Names	Zeppelin bend, Rosendahl bend, Rosendahl's knot
Category	Bend
Related	Zeppelin loop, Hunter's bend, Ashley's bend, Alpine butterfly bend
Releasing	Non-jamming
Typical use	Connecting two ropes

A Zeppelin bend (also Rosendahl bend) is a general purpose bend knot. It is a secure, easily tied, and jam-resistant way to connect two ropes. Though its simplicity and security may be matched by other bends, it is unique in the ease with which it is untied, even after heavy loading.

History[link]

Both names for this knot stem from its use to moor airships: a Zeppelin being a rigid-bodied type of airship, and Charles Rosendahl being the US Navy officer who insisted it be used to moor airships under his command.^[1]

Despite being praised by some sources as a nearly ideal bend knot,^[2][3] it is not very well known;^{[citation needed]} Clifford Ashley, author of The Ashley Book of Knots, was apparently unaware of this bend.^[4]

Tying[link]

Zeppelin bend step by step

1. Form a loop in each of the ends of rope
2. Overlay one loop on the other, such that the working end of each rope faces "outwards" or away from the other hitch
3. Pull either loose end once around the loop in the other rope, and then through the "tunnel" created by the two hitches
4. Repeat with the other loose end
5. Pull on all four rope parts to tighten the knot.
6. To untie, pull simultaneously on the two turns that go round the standing parts.

Another method of remembering this knot is to visualize a "69". To tie the knot, follow the steps below.

1. Make a "6" with the line (rope) in your left hand. It is important that the bitter end winds up on top of the standing end for the "6".
2. Make a "9" with the line in your right hand. Make sure that the standing end crosses over the bitter end of the "9".
3. While keeping both "numbers" intact, place the "6" over the "9", with the circle parts of each number lining up.
4. Take the "tail" of the "6" and put it through the middle (circle) part of your "69".
5. Take the "tail" part of the "9" and bring it up through the middle (circle) part of your "69".
6. Pull each standing end while ensuring that the bitter ends are not pulled from the "69" holes.

See also[link]

• List of bend knots
• List of knots

Notes and references[link]