Figure 8 Knot (Flemish)
ProcedurePass the tail over itself to form a loop. Continue under and around the standing end. Complete the knot by passing the tail down through the loop.
Uses: The Figure 8 (ABOK # 570, p 95.) provides a quick and convenient stopper knot to prevent a line sliding out of sight, e.g., up inside the mast. Its virtue is that, even after it has been jammed tightly against a block, it doesn't bind; it can be undone easily. This virtue is also, occasionally, a vice. The figure 8 can fall undone and then has to be retied.
Overhand Knot
Comparison: The Figure 8 should be compared to other common stopper knots. It is much better than the simple Overhand Knotwhich is smaller and can bind so tightly that it can be really difficult to undo. However, both the Double Overhand Knot, and the Ashley Stopper Knot, make better Stopper knots because they are larger and more stable.
Climbing: For climbing, where safety is paramount, the Double Overhand is the preferred Stopper knot. However, the Figure 8 is important to climbers because it is the basis for tying the Figure 8 Bend (Rope Join), the Figure 8 Loop Follow Through, and the Double Figure 8 Loop.
Source: AnimatedKnots.com
Overhand Knot
Comparison: The Figure 8 should be compared to other common stopper knots. It is much better than the simple Overhand Knotwhich is smaller and can bind so tightly that it can be really difficult to undo. However, both the Double Overhand Knot, and the Ashley Stopper Knot, make better Stopper knots because they are larger and more stable.
Climbing: For climbing, where safety is paramount, the Double Overhand is the preferred Stopper knot. However, the Figure 8 is important to climbers because it is the basis for tying the Figure 8 Bend (Rope Join), the Figure 8 Loop Follow Through, and the Double Figure 8 Loop.
Source: AnimatedKnots.com
RSS Feed
