How to Tie a Figure Eight Knot for Rock Climbing

The figure eight knot is one of the most frequently used in rock climbing. A simple knot to tie, the figure eight knot is sturdy and, therefore, critical to the safety of a rock climber.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Grasp the end of a secured rope. Measure the rope a full arm's span. Create a small hitch or loop at the top of that span, allowing the rest of the rope to hang freely on the right side of the hitch.

2. Wrap the freely hanging rope clockwise around the hitch one full time, but do not pull it taut against the rope.

3. Take the very end of the freely hanging rope and push it through the front of the hitch you made in Step 1. Make sure you've passed the rope through the hitch, not the loop you've made below the hitch. Otherwise, when you try to secure the knot, the rope will slide through the loops and you'll have either no knot or a very insecure knot.

4. Pull both ends of the rope in opposite directions to make a very tight figure eight knot in your climbing rope.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice tying your rock climbing knots before you attempt to rock climb. For your own safety and the safety of your climbing companions, you need to be proficient.

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