How to Coil an Unattached Climbing Rope

When you aren't using a climbing rope it is usually stored away. Unfortunately this can cause it to become tangled and knotted. The best thing to do is coil it. This will allow the rope to be used quickly without having to undo knots. Follow these steps to learn how to coil an unattached climbing rope.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Rest the unattached climbing rope in your hand. If you are right-handed lay the climbing rope in your left hand. If you are left-handed lay the climbing rope in your right hand.
2. Leave the end of the climbing rope hanging free. It should be a little longer than the actual coil will be. This prevents the coil from becoming tangled.
3. Make the first loop in the coil. When making this loop, cross the rope over the top of itself.
4. Lay the second loop on top of the coil. This loop must be laid underneath itself.
5. Repeat the process. Alternate going over and under the loop to prevent several twists from forming in the rope.
6. Wrap the loose end of the coil around the climbing rope tightly. Your fingers should remain in the coil to keep the turns from uncoiling. Insert a bight through the coil then open it up and pull it over the coil tightly.

Tips & Warnings

• Twist the rope as you make each turn to keep the coil neat and tidy.
• To use the climbing rope, unwrap it and lay the coil on the ground. The end of the climbing rope should be underneath the coil. Pull the end that was used to wrap the coil.