Knot strength table
Every knot costs you some of the line's strength - the only question is how much. This table shows what each common knot kept in one published set of pull tests, John Merwin's tests for Field & Stream, with the line and the connection each result was measured on, and notes on how each knot actually fails. Tie the steps on the knots & rigs page, or let the knot picker choose for you.
These are one tester's results on Berkley Trilene Big Game 10-lb mono, Seaguar InvizX 10-lb fluorocarbon and Berkley FireLine braid: other lines and other hands give other numbers. Knots that test did not cover are listed without a percentage rather than with a guessed one.
Tested: 96% - 5 turns, 10-lb mono to a lure - only when tied with extreme care; 75% - 5 turns, 10-lb fluorocarbon to a lure
How it fails: Slips on braid and on heavy line (over roughly 12 lb) - that is a slide-off, not a break. Switch to the Palomar there.
Tested: 96% - 30-lb braid to a 10-lb mono leader, a Palomar on each side of a small barrel swivel; 89% - 10-lb mono to a lure; 82% - 10-lb fluorocarbon to a lure; 63% - 14-lb braid to a lure
How it fails: Fails when the loop is not passed fully over the lure before cinching, or when cinched dry.
Tested: 83% - 10-lb mono to 10-lb fluorocarbon
How it fails: Drops off fast when the two lines differ much in diameter, or when the wrap counts are unequal side to side.
Tested: 83% - 10-lb fluorocarbon to a lure
How it fails: Loses strength with too many wraps in heavy line - use fewer turns as the line gets thicker, and re-check after a hard fight.
Tested: 80% - 4 turns, 30-lb braid to 10-lb fluorocarbon; 65% - 3 turns, 10-lb mono to 10-lb fluorocarbon
How it fails: Weakens when the four ends are not pulled evenly, so the knot seats lopsided. Forgiving of different diameters; triple pass helps with braid.
Tested: 75% - 5 turns each, 30-lb braid to 10-lb fluorocarbon
How it fails: In braid the thin line can cut into itself - use 6 to 8 wraps on the braid side. Bulkier through the guides than the FG.
How it fails: The weak point of any rig that uses it: pulled on the loop, it gives way before the line does. Fine for panfish droppers; do not hang your trophy on one.
How it fails: Fails when the braid loses tension during the weave or the finishing half-hitches are skimped - it unravels rather than breaks.
How it fails: Weakens if the wraps cross or spread out along the shank instead of sitting in a neat touching band.
How to read these numbers
"90%" means the knot let the line break at 90% of what the same line held without a knot - at the knot, which is almost always where line parts. Every percentage on this page is from John Merwin's tests for Field & Stream, measured against the unknotted line. The Mono / Fluoro / Braid marks are our general guidance on which line each knot suits, not test results.
Two habits worth more than any knot choice
Wet every knot before you cinch it and seat it slowly and completely - in the test above the clinch knots reached 96% only when they were tied with extreme care. Then check the last few feet of line after every fish and re-tie at the first curl or nick. For step-by-step tying instructions see the knots & rigs guide, print the pocket knot checklist, or answer two questions in the knot picker.
Want to quote a figure? Credit the Field & Stream test - this page only repeats it.
Knot-tying kit
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