Page 25 - Duane Raleigh - Knots Ropes for Climbers

Page 25

Figure Eight Fisherman's

This knot is really a Figure Eight Bend, but as you can tie this bend two different ways, for clarity I'm

calling this version the Fisherman's, which I've seen it called elsewhere.

I find great comfort in this knot, knowing that it absolutely will not come untied when used to join two
rappel ropes. It's also the most secure knot for tying together two top ropes. In both uses, leave a long
tail on each end, and tie this off with a Double

Fisherman's Backup.

A minor disadvantage of the Figure Eight Fisherman's is that it gobbles up a hearty length of rope. A
major disadvantage is that it's bulky and likes to jam in fissures, behind flakes, and so on when you
pull it down the cliff.

Common Use s

Tying top ropes together

Tying rappel ropes together

Figure Eight Fisherman's tied with a

Double Fisherman's as a backup.