Figure Eight on a Bight

Figure Eight On A Bight This knot is formed from a "bight" of rope. It's very handy to just grab a bight of the rope anywhere along it and tie it off in this manner. Useful for belay set ups, or rescue work, or to backup ascending a rope, and all sorts of applications. Again, I'd be very surprised if any climber did not already know this knot. Never-the-less, follow these steps to tie a figure eight on a bight:

Steps 1,2 & 3: Grab a bite of rope and form the classic figure eight. Step 4: Pull tight and clip in. Fast, simple and secure.

In-line Figure Eight This knot can be used to anchor the rope. It's perhaps not as commonly used as the aforementioned, figure eight on a bite, but is very handy when equalising anchors. Follow these steps to tie the in-line figure eight knot:

Step 1: Form a large loop in the rope. Steps 2 & 3: Elongate the loop, tucking it under and over the line and feeding it back through itself. Step 4: Pull tight and clip to load/anchor. The finished knot should be "facing" the direction of the load. You'll note that with a bit of adjustment you can elongate or shrink the protruding loop - very handy when equalising two anchors.

Stopper Knot The stopper knot is very handy in several situations. For instance you could tie one in the end of the rope it stop it unexpectedly passing through the belay/abseil device. Use it to backup your figure eight follow through tie in knot. Two stopper knots are used to make the double fishermans for joining two ropes. To tie a stopper knot in the end of the rope, follow these steps.

Step 1: Form a loop. Step 2: Form a second loop behind the first one, as shown.

Step 3: Pass the end back through both loops.

Step 4: Pull tight.