Page 174 - Bob Holtzman "The Field Guide to Knots How to Identify.."

Part Three

Stopper Knots

Stopper knots are “true knots”—structures tied within the rope itself and
not to anything else. Most often tied at the end of a rope, stopper knots get
their name from their common function of stopping a rope from running
out through a small opening through which they pass, such as a pulley

block, a fairlead on a boat, or a grommet on a tarp. Other common uses are
to form “knobs” on the rope that can be easily held or pulled, or to add
weight to the end so that it can be thrown.

9., 10. Figure 8 Knot (and alternate
method)

Uses: stopper for sailboat sheets, fender
pennants, tarp guylines; handhold

Pros: quick and easy to tie and untie;
reduction of rope strength is small

Cons: will not stop a hole larger than
Overhand Knot

11. Slipped Figure 8 Knot

Uses: stopper that can be quickly untied to
pull through an opening

Pros: quick and easy to tie; nearly
instantaneous to untie

Cons: will not stop a larger hole than
Overhand Knot

12. Stopper Knot

Uses: stopper, handhold, heaving line
Pros: large, comfortable, attractive; easy to tie

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