How to Tie a Water Knot for Climbing

Knowing how to tie a water knot is very useful for climbers. Water knots are used for tying webbing straps together. The water knot is made up of two overhand knots using two separate straps running parallel to each other.

1. Make a loop in the working end of one of the straps.
2. Wrap the working end around its own strap by crossing over, or on top.
3. Pull the working end through the loop. This completes the first overhand knot.
4. Take the other strap and thread it through the back of the first strap but going in the reverse direction.
5. Wrap the working end of the second strap, from the back, around to the front of the first strap.
6. Continue by putting the working end under its same strap, which is under the first knot. This wrap-around has made a complete circle.
7. Pull the end over to the front, from the back, and thread through the top, or front, loop in both straps.
8. Tighten. This completes the water knot.

The difference between the water knot and the fisherman's knot is that the fisherman's knot contains two overhand knots that are next to each other; the water knot is two overhand knots exactly on top of each other.

Caution:

It is possible for this knot to slip when used a lot so make sure to allow enough rope to work with so that when finished, there will be enough extra length to avoid becoming untied. Keep checking the knot periodically and tighten as necessary.

Reference:

Blue Ridge Mountain Rescue Group, Inc.