How to Tie the Handcuff Knot

The handcuff knot is not to be used to restrain someone like real handcuffs do. However, it can be used to lower and raise firefighters into tight spaces in order to save a trapped victim. It can also be used to attach to the victim's own wrists if they're old enough and lucid enough to secure it themselves.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Cross the left end of the rope over to the right making a loop as big as your fist. This will also make a "Q" shape. When you do the first loop, ensure that you have a long length of the rope left over.

2. Repeat Step 1. Make the second loop to the left of the first loop. Adjust the rope so they're placed next to each other.

3. Hold the loop on the right side and stack it over the loop on the left. You want to have the left side of the first loop laying over the right side of the left loop. Do not stack them directly over each other.

4. Take the left edge of the right loop and thread it under the left edge of the left loop. At the same time, take the right edge of the left loop and thread it over the right edge of the right loop.

5. Continue pulling until you have two oval-shaped loops with a knot in the middle. The tails of the rope will fall below the loops. The size of the loops can be adjusted by pulling them either larger or smaller.

6. Pull the loops as tight as possible once you have the loops the size you need. This will make the knot and loops secure when lifting an adult-sized person.

Tips & Warnings

• This knot is also referred to as a hobble knot, because cowboys used it around the front hooves of their horses or cattle to prevent them from wandering far at night.