How To Tie A Figure 8 Knot

Need to know how to tie a figure 8 knot? The figure 8 knot is one of the essential knots for climbers. It is both easy to tie and practical. It is used to prevent ropes from running through any openings, ranging from harnesses to slits for drawstrings in cloth or canvas items. It gets its name from the figure 8 shape the finished knot makes. There are different ways to tie a figure 8 knot. The variation to choose depends on the type of gear and the specific use of the figure 8 knot. Here is the basic figure 8 knot and the two most frequently used figure 8 knots for climbing.

The basic figure 8 knot:

1. Take one end of the rope. Measure off an arm's length to have enough rope to work with.
2. Make a loop by twisting a bight. The working end of rope should be over the standing end.
3. Bring the working end around to the back of the standing end. Cross around the back and to the right side of the standing end.
4. Take the working end over the loop made in step two. Pull through the loop to tighten.

 The figure 8 follow through:

1. Tie a basic figure 8 knot on one end of a rope. Feed the working end through the harness. It is important to point out that the best way to determine how a rope will tie into a harness is to refer to the harness manual for recommendations.
2. Take the working end and rethread the first figure 8 knot in step one, following the lines exactly. The ropes should be lying flat, each side-by-side.
3. Pull the knot tight to secure. Check to see that there are three visible double strands of rope on top; the top of the 8, the bottom of the 8 and the upward return to finish the 8.
4. Caution: make sure there is enough of a working end or tail left so the knot won't slip. For added security, tie a stopper knot in the rope remaining in the working end.

 The figure 8 on a bight:

1. This variation begins with a bight of rope. The result is that it will have double strands of rope without having to rethread it.
2. Form the basic figure 8 knot. Pull the loop through and tighten. By ending with a loop, this knot is great for when climbers need to clip into a carabiner or use it for applications that require fast and secure knots.

Resources:

Chockstone