https://xkcd.com/2880

Alt text:

A left-handed sheet bend creates a much weaker connection, especially under moderate loads.

  • peopleproblems
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    2 years ago

    That

    is one mother fucking cursed connector

    it’s brilliant because it’s so hazardous yet still creates a contact between two double core wires.

    • runeko
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      52 years ago

      Additionally, the next “wire” would be connected reversed polarity so you would never know if grey or yellow were hot.

  • @[email protected]
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    2 years ago

    I just noticed this info on the xkcd website for the first time:

    xkcd.com is best viewed with Netscape Navigator 4.0 or below on a Pentium 3±1 emulated in Javascript on an Apple IIGS at a screen resolution of 1024x1. Please enable your ad blockers, disable high-heat drying, and remove your device from Airplane Mode and set it to Boat Mode. For security reasons, please leave caps lock on while browsing.

    Randall is such a genius.

  • pelya
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    42 years ago

    I want to see IRL photo of this connection.

    The knot also needs to be adapted for common two-core electrical appliance cable, if you remove a piece of the insulation on one side and with an offset on the other side, the cable needs to be twisted mid-knot to match the correct wire.

  • Uriel238 [all pronouns]
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    32 years ago

    WTF? the sheet bend is close to a square knot which is much more secure. Or a thieves’ knot if you’re looking for something that slips apart after limited tension.

    • @[email protected]
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      82 years ago

      A sheet bend is more secure for cords of two different types/diameters. A square knot is for cords of the same diameter.