Figure Eight

The figure eight is used primarily as a stopper knot which means it will give you a Figure eight knot

big nob so it won't pull through a pulley. It is also found in fancy work. The figure eight is easy to untie even after being put under tremendous pressure. A variation of the figure eight is sometimes used by climbers as a 'tie in' for attaching a climbing rope to a harness.

Basic terms used in our knot tying instructions explained here.

How To Tie A Figure Eight:

Begin by taking a round turn with the bitter end coming over the standing part.
Forming an "S" put the bitter under the standing part.
Push the bitter down through the first round turn you made.
Snug it up and you have a figure eight.

The figure eight can also be used to join two ropes together, either of equal size or not. However, for all practical purposes the sheet bend is more suited to this purpose. The figure eight leads into several variations for other applications. To see some of them go to Figure Eight Variations.

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This list of knots, either singly or in combination, will serve almost any need you have, be it around the house or in the wilderness.

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