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Figure Eight Knot

StopperBeginner
Also known as:Figure of Eight
Figure Eight Knot

Description

The figure eight knot is a stopper knot that is larger and easier to untie than the overhand knot, due to its distinctive figure-eight shape. It creates a wider profile that stops more effectively against blocks and pulleys. It is one of the most important knots in climbing.

Common Uses

Used as a stopper knot on climbing ropes, as a backup behind other knots, and as the starting point for the figure eight follow-through and figure eight on a bight.

When to Choose This Knot

Choose this knot when you need to prevent a rope end from passing through a hole, device, block, grommet, or another knot. Stopper knots are simple but must be large enough for the opening they protect.

Safety Notes

  • Check that the finished knot is larger than the opening or hardware it is meant to stop.
  • Keep enough tail beyond the stopper so it cannot roll out.
  • Do not treat a stopper as a complete fall-arrest or rescue system.

How to Tie

  1. 1Form a loop by crossing the working end over the standing part.
  2. 2Wrap the working end around and behind the standing part.
  3. 3Pass the working end through the original loop from above.
  4. 4Pull both ends to tighten.
  5. 5Dress the knot so the figure-eight shape is clearly visible.
Figure Eight Knot step 1Figure Eight Knot step 2Figure Eight Knot step 3Figure Eight Knot step 4Figure Eight Knot step 5Figure Eight Knot step 6Figure Eight Knot step 7Figure Eight Knot step 8Figure Eight Knot step 9Figure Eight Knot step 10Figure Eight Knot step 11Figure Eight Knot step 12Figure Eight Knot step 13Figure Eight Knot step 14Figure Eight Knot step 15Figure Eight Knot step 16Figure Eight Knot step 17Figure Eight Knot step 18Figure Eight Knot step 19Figure Eight Knot step 20Figure Eight Knot step 21Figure Eight Knot step 22Figure Eight Knot step 23Figure Eight Knot step 24Figure Eight Knot step 25Figure Eight Knot step 26Figure Eight Knot step 27Figure Eight Knot step 28Figure Eight Knot step 29Figure Eight Knot step 30Figure Eight Knot step 31Figure Eight Knot step 32Figure Eight Knot step 33Figure Eight Knot step 34Figure Eight Knot step 35Figure Eight Knot step 36Figure Eight Knot step 37Figure Eight Knot step 38Figure Eight Knot step 39Figure Eight Knot step 40Figure Eight Knot step 41Figure Eight Knot step 42Figure Eight Knot step 43Figure Eight Knot step 44Figure Eight Knot step 45Figure Eight Knot step 46Figure Eight Knot step 47Figure Eight Knot step 48Figure Eight Knot step 49

Common Mistakes

  • Using a stopper that is too small for the hardware.
  • Placing the stopper too close to the working system.
  • Failing to retighten after the knot compresses under load.

Similar Knots

Sliding Figure Eight
Stopper
Continuous Figure Eight
Stopper
Stevedore Knot
Stopper
Ashley Stopper Knot
Stopper