Which knot is used to join two ropes of different thicknesses?

• A. Sheet bend is used to join two ropes of different thicknesses.
• B. Figure-eight knot
• C. Clove hitch
• D. Reef knot

Answer: (A)

When you need to join two ropes of different thickness, the sheet bend is the best choice. It’s specifically designed to handle unequal diameters by letting the thicker rope take the main load while the thinner rope is tucked neatly into a loop, creating a secure, adjustable connection. The knot distributes tension well and remains relatively easy to untie after loading, even after being under strain.

In practice, you form a loop (a bight) in the thicker rope, pass the end of the thinner rope through that loop, then wrap it around the back of the thicker rope and tuck it under the thinner rope’s own standing part. For extra security on very different sizes, a double sheet bend adds another turn.

Other knots here don’t fit the situation as effectively. A figure-eight knot is a stopper or bend for joining like-sized lines or for attaching to anchors, but it isn’t optimized for unequal diameters. A clove hitch is a simple tying hitch for securing a rope to a post or pole, not for joining two lines. The reef knot (square knot) is best for joining equal or similar-sized ends under light to moderate load but can slip or capsize when rope diameters differ, making it unreliable for this purpose.