How much strength does a square knot retain?

A square knot is a commonly used knot in rescue and outdoor activities, known for its simplicity and ease of tying. However, it’s important to understand that while it’s useful for certain applications, it does not retain much strength compared to other knots. A square knot retains approximately 55% of the strength of the rope being used.

This retention rate is important because it indicates that while a square knot is effective for binding two ropes of similar diameter together, it may not be the best choice for critical applications where maximum strength is required. Other knots, such as the double fisherman's knot or the figure-eight follow-through, are designed to maintain a greater percentage of the rope's strength, making them more suitable for high-stress situations encountered in rescue operations. Understanding knot strength is crucial for safety and effectiveness in rope rescue scenarios.