Figure Eight Knot

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1 2 3 4 Structure

To tie the knot move the mouse along the numbers 1 - 4.
Alternate between 4 and Structure to see the structure.

Uses: The Figure Eight (ABOK # 570, p 95.) is important to climbers because it is the basis for tying the Figure Eight Bend (Rope Join), the Figure Eight Loop Follow Through, and the Double Figure Eight Loop. The Figure Eight itself is a quick and convenient stopper knot which can be undone fairly easily. This virtue is, unfortunately, also its vice: if used as a stopper knot, the figure of eight shakes undone far too readily.

Climbing For climbing, where safety is paramount, the Double Overhand Stopper Knot is the preferred Stopper knot.

Comparison: The Figure Eight is a better stopper knot than the simple overhand knot (right) which can bind so tightly that undoing it can be a real inconvenience.

Disclaimer: Any activity that involves ropes is potentially hazardous. Lives may be at risk - possibly your own. Considerable attention and effort have been made to ensure that these descriptions are accurate. However, many critical factors cannot be controlled, including: the choice of materials; the age, size, and condition of ropes; and the accuracy with which these descriptions have been followed. For this reason no responsibility is accepted for incidents arising from the use of this material.

Updated:
Jun 24^th 2009