How to tie a figure 8? (climbing knot)

The Figure of 8 Knot, also known as the Figure Eight Knot, is a strong, reliable knot commonly used in climbing and sailing. It's used to secure a rope to a harness or another object. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to tie in with the Figure of 8 Knot:

1. Form the Figure 8 Knot

• Start: Take the working end of the rope (the end you're tying with) and create a loop by crossing the rope over itself.

• Wrap: Continue by taking the working end around the standing part of the rope (the part leading to the rope's other end).

• Finish the Figure 8: Pass the working end through the loop you created at the start. You should now have a knot that looks like the number 8.

2. Attach to the Harness

• Thread Through the Harness: Pass the working end of the rope through the tie-in points of your harness (both the waist belt and the leg loops). This is critical for safety.

• Retrace the Figure 8: Take the working end of the rope and retrace the original Figure 8 Knot, following the path of the knot back through itself. This ensures the knot stays secure

3. Tighten and Dress the Knot

• Tighten: Pull the rope snug so that the knot is tight and the loops are aligned. This is known as "dressing the knot."

• Check: Make sure the knot is clean and tight, with no twists or loose strands.

4. Safety Check

• Tail Length: Ensure there is at least a few inches of rope left after the knot (the "tail"). This ensures that the knot won’t come undone.

• Final Inspection: Check that the knot is properly tied and secure. It's also a good habit to have a partner double-check your knot.

Here is a video demonstration how to tie a figure 8 knot.

How to Tie a Figure 8 Knot for Climbing - Everything You Need to Know