What does a knot in a lanyard do to its overall strength?

A knot in a lanyard reduces its overall strength due to the way the fibers are compressed and altered when the knot is formed. When a knot is tied, it creates pressure points and bends in the material, which can lead to a decrease in the effective load-bearing capacity. Specific knots can cause the fibers to pull against each other in ways that create friction and stress, potentially leading to failure. This is particularly significant in materials like rope or cord where the integrity of the fibers is crucial for maintaining strength. Various studies and safety guidelines indicate that the strength can be significantly compromised, often estimated as a reduction of around 50% for many common knots. Therefore, while knots are essential for securing items, their impact on overall strength must be considered carefully in applications requiring high reliability.