Knot strength table
Every knot costs you some of the line's rated strength - the only question is how much. This table shows the typical share of breaking strain each common knot keeps, compiled from published pull-tests, with honest notes on how each one actually fails. Tie the steps on the knots & rigs page, or let the knot picker choose for you.
Ranges are rounded and deliberately wide: independent tests disagree, and how well a knot is tied moves the number far more than which knot you pick. A wet, slowly-seated "weaker" knot beats a dry, rushed "stronger" one every time.
How it fails: Weakens if the wraps cross or spread out along the shank instead of sitting in a neat touching band.
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: Fails when the loop is not passed fully over the lure before cinching, or when cinched dry.
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.
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.
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.
How it fails: Drops off fast when the two lines differ much in diameter, or when the wrap counts are unequal side to side.
How it fails: In braid the thin line can cut into itself - use 5 to 6 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, published tests run from roughly 30% to 70%. Fine for panfish droppers; do not hang your trophy on one.
How to read these numbers
"90%" means the knot lets 10 lb line break at roughly 9 lb - at the knot, which is almost always where line parts. The ranges above are compiled from published pull-tests by tackle writers and independent testers; different rigs, lines and testers produce different numbers, which is exactly why we show ranges rather than a single figure. Treat the order as reliable and the exact percentages as approximate.
Two habits worth more than any knot choice
Wet every knot before you cinch it - friction heat can cost an extra 10 to 30% - and seat it slowly and completely. 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.
Free to cite: link back to this page. Present the figures as typical tested ranges, not laboratory certainties.