Essential knots and when to use them
15 cards · practical
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| Front | Back |
|---|---|
| Bowline | Fixed loop that won’t slip or jam Use for rescue, ridgelines, and mooring; easy to untie after load. |
| Clove Hitch | Quick tie to a post; holds under steady tension Starts and adjusts lashings; may slip if load varies—add a half hitch. |
| Round Turn and Two Half-Hitches | Securely fastens a rope to a post or ring Take a full wrap first for friction, then finish with two half hitches. |
| Taut-Line Hitch | Adjustable loop for tensioning lines Ideal for tent guylines; slides to tighten, holds under load. |
| Trucker’s Hitch | High-tension tie-down with pulley effect Cinch loads on vehicles or canoes; finish with a locking half hitch. |
| Sheet Bend | Joins two ropes, even of unequal size Tuck the thinner rope as the working end; add an extra turn for security. |
| Figure Eight Stopper | End knot to prevent running through Bulkier and less jamming than an overhand; place near the rope’s end. |
| Figure Eight Follow-Through | Strong loop for tying into a harness Tie a figure eight, thread back through; leave a proper tail. |
| Alpine Butterfly | Mid-line loop strong in any direction Isolates damaged sections; great for rigging and glacier travel. |
| Prusik | Friction hitch that grips when loaded Climbs or backs up ropes; use smaller cord on larger rope. |
| Munter Hitch | Carabiner hitch for belay or rappel Adds controllable friction; watch for rope twist. |
| Water Knot | Joins webbing ends into a loop Tie an overhand, retrace with the other end; leave long tails. |
| Rolling Hitch | Hitch to pull along a tensioned line Bites in one direction; relieve strain on sheets or guy lines. |
| Constrictor Knot | Tight, reliable binding for bundles Cinches like a zip tie; difficult to untie—use on disposable lashings. |
| Girth Hitch | Simple loop attachment around an object Fast way to attach slings to posts or carabiners; reduces strength. |