DIY Survival Gear: Tying Knots with Duct Tape

Tying knots with duct tape is one of those “survival hacks” that seems like it would be easy. You just cut some strips of duct tape and use them to tie knots, right?

Wrong.

It turns out that the almighty duct tape can’t be used for everything (gasp!). However, my attempt to make rope and tie knots with duct tape does teach a good lesson about survival gear.

Fail #1

For my first attempt, I simply folded duct tape over on itself so the sticky part was inside. Then I cut those strips into narrower pieces. But, when I pull on the duct tape rope, it immediately tore.

A fisherman’s bend knot tied with duct tape rope. The working ends immediately tore.

Fail #2

After the first fail, I had a “duh” moment. Of course duct tape rope would tear easily: the fibers in the fabric layer of duct tape have a criss-cross pattern so you can tear it easily.

That gave me my second idea: I cut small pieces of duct tape. I stuck those pieces onto a long strip of duct tape at an angle. This way, I had fibers going diagonally against the criss-cross.

These strips of duct tape rope were definitely stronger than the first attempt, but they also tore easily.

Attempt #3 – Success (Kind Of)

For my third attempt, I created twisted rope out of duct tape strands. It’s the same method you’d use to make rope out of grass or other natural fibers. It’s also the same method used to twist hair. (Dads of little girls: you have no excuse for not being a hairstyle pro!)

How to make twisted rope from duct tape:

1.Pull out a long strip of duct tape (I used 4 feet) and twist it into a long strand.

2.Do this with another long strip of duct tape.

3.Connect the two strands of duct tape. Their twists should go in the same direction. You can use an overhand knot to connect the strands, but I used the “fold over” method.

4.Grab the top part of one strand and start twisting it.

5.While holding the tension in the first strand, start twisting the second strand in the same direction.

6.As you twist, wrap the strands around each other in the opposite direction.

7.When you reach the end, secure the strands together with an overhand knot.

Attaching the two strands with the “fold over” method.

Twisting the duct tape strands into rope. It’s easier if you anchor the strands to something.

Was It a Success?

I pulled on the duct tape rope. It stretched a lot, but didn’t tear. That might make it seem like this was a success.

However, the duct tape rope was very thick, so it was hard to tie knots with it. The rope is also very slippery; you’ll need a stopper knot to ensure your knots don’t slide out. Worst of all, it took approximately 8 feet of duct tape just to get 3 feet of rope.

Here’s the bowline I tied with the duct tape. I would not trust it with anything under tension or a dynamic load!