Crossing line on a palomar knot

[EGbassing]

I've been tying a palomar knot a lot recently, but I've heard that people often "cross the lines" when tying it, which reduces the strength of the knot a lot. What does "crossing the lines" mean? I want to make sure I get good knot strength because there are a lot of bass in the 3 - 7 pound range in the pond I fish. I'd hate to break one of those off.  

[redmexican5081]

When you tighten the knot down and the lines going around the hook eye look like X instead of ll.  This happens when you make the overhand portion and the lines twist

[WRB]

If you look in the Rods, Reels, Line, Knots forum there is a thread Palomar Knots are you tieing it right with lots of good info, page 3.

Tom

[Brad in Texas]

Let me add the science or the issue behind it.

 

Imagine crossed lines as being "intersections" with somewhat minimal line-to-line contact. Contrast this to two lines lying side-by-side along their lengths where there is closer to maximum contact between the two lines.

 

Since knots and wraps rely on friction to hold, the more line-to-line contact the better.

 

For a description, take two 12" wood dowel rods of the same size and rub them together as if you are trying to start a fire. Contrast the effort it takes to slide one over the other with holding them parallel and touching along their entire lengths . . . and note the greater effort to slide them. 

 

Hope this helps. Clean, accurate knots simply have more friction.

 

Brad

[Catt]

Instead of the two lines running parallel to each other one has "crossed" over the other. The line on top will cut the line below it.

[EGbassing]

2 hours ago, WRB said:

If you look in the Rods, Reels, Line, Knots forum there is a thread Palomar Knots are you tieing it right with lots of good info, page 3.

Tom

Thanks. Just tied a spinnerbait on with the palomar. Went out and caught my PB.