How to Tie a Figure 8 Bend
A figure-eight knot is a stable knot used to join two ropes together. It is often used by search-and-rescue teams because of its ease of setup and reliability. It works best when both ropes are of roughly the same size and the knot is carefully and evenly tightened. Remember to leave a tail on each end of the knot to give it room to tighten.
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Instructions
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Make a loop in the line by crossing the end under the rope
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Cross the end back over the rope. The shape you get will look like a figure 8.
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Complete a figure 8 knot by putting the end over and through the top of the first loop. Do not tighten the knot.
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From the other side, begin to pull the second line through parallel to the first. First, trace it under the first loop, along where the first line exits the loop.
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Continue to trace it along the first rope. Keep it flat. Make sure that you do not twist it around the rope.
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Once you get it all the way though the knot, carefully tighten it. You now have a completed figure-8 bend.
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Tips & Warnings
The figure 8 bend can jam pretty easily. Don't use it when you might need to release the knot quickly.
Resources
- Photo Credit Images courtesy of Tom Russo, Cibola Search and Rescue
