Figure-eight knot (ropes)
| Figure-eight knot | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Names | Figure-eight knot, Figure-of-eight knot, Savoy knot, Flemish knot, double stopper |
| Category | Stopper |
| Efficiency | 80% |
| Origin | Ancient |
| Related | Stevedore knot, Figure-eight loop, Figure-eight follow through, Directional figure eight |
| Releasing | Non-jamming |
| Typical use | General-purpose stopper knot. Replaces the common overhand knot in many uses. |
| ABoK | #420 #570 |
| Conway Notation | 2 2 |
| A/B notation | 41 |
The figure-eight knot is a type of knot. It is very important in both sailing and rock climbing as a method of stopping ropes from running out of retaining devices. Unlike the overhand knot, which will bind iron-hard under strain, often requiring the rope to be cut, the figure of eight can be easily untied after even the greatest strain.
Contents |
[edit] Different types of figure-eight knots
[edit] Double figure-eight knot
Double figure-eight knot (figure-eight loop) is used like an overhand loop knot. This type of knot can be used in prusik climbing when used in conjunction with a climbing harness, a climbing rope, and locking carabiner designed for climbing, to ascend or descend with minimal equipment and effort.
[edit] Figure-eight splice knot
Figure-eight splice knot is used to quickly and effectively "splice" together two ropes, not necessarily of equal diameter. This knot is tied starting with a loose figure eight knot on one rope (the larger-diameter one if unequal), and threading of the other rope's running end through the first figure eight, starting at the first figure-eight's running end and paralleling the path of the first rope through the figure eight until the second's ropes running end lies parallel against first's standing end. The result is two figure-eight knots, each partly inside the other and tightening its hold on the other when they are pulled in opposite directions. This can be a permanent or temporary splice. While it precludes the ropes' slipping relative to each other, it is a typical knot in having less strength than the straight ropes. A blood knot is a better[citation needed] knot for rope splicing, but is more difficult to achieve[citation needed].
In heraldry, this knot is known as Savoy knot.
[edit] Tying
- Make a bight in a rope
- Twist it around half a turn away from the working end
- Bring the working end around from below, then through the loop from above
- Pull
or humorously;
- Make an alien (create a loop).
- Choke it (wrap one end around the alien's "neck").
- Poke it in the eye (push the end through the "alien" loop).
[edit] Stein knot
The Stein knot (aka Stone knot) is a variation of the Figure 8 knot. It is used to secure a rope that is already passed around a post or through a ring. It is quick and easy to tie and untie. It is a device rigging rather than a true knot.
In canyoneering, it is used to isolate rope strands to allow one person to rappel while another is getting on the rappel, or allow rappellers the option of using a single or a double rope.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- http://www.draftlight.net/lifeonaline/download/download.php?section=1 See Chapter 4: 17 essential rescue knots, Page 38
