Rethreaded Figure 8 Knot: Easy Guide
The rethreaded figure of eight knot, often referred to as a “figure eight follow-through” in climbing circles, is an indispensable tool for any climber. This knot forms a secure loop at the end of a rope, providing a critical connection point for belaying, rappelling, or attaching oneself to an anchor system. While its name might sound a bit technical, mastering this knot is surprisingly straightforward, and with a little practice, you’ll find yourself tying it with confidence and efficiency. This guide will break down the process step-by-step, ensuring you can tie a rethreaded figure of 8 climbing knot with clarity and precision.
At its core, the rethreaded figure of eight is built upon the foundation of a simple figure of eight knot. The key difference lies in how the tail end of the rope is then manipulated – it’s “rethreaded” back through the initial knot in a specific pattern that locks everything securely into place. This creates a non-slipping loop that is exceptionally strong and, importantly, easy to inspect for proper tying.
Understanding the Foundation: The Basic Figure of Eight
Before we dive into the rethreading process, let’s quickly recap the basic figure of eight.
1. Form a bight: Take the end of your rope and create a loop, often called a bight.
2. Wrap around the standing part: Bring the bight around the main, uncut portion of the rope (the “standing part”).
3. Pass through the loop: Take the bight and thread it through the initial loop you created.
4. Tighten: Pull both the bight and the standing part to snug the knot. You should see a distinct “8” shape formed by the rope.
This basic knot, while secure, creates a closed loop that isn’t ideal for tying directly to a harness or anchor. This is where the “rethreading” comes in.
The Core Process: How to Tie A Rethreaded Figure Of 8 Climbing Knot
Now, let’s get to the heart of it. Imagine you’re tying the knot directly to your harness. You’ll need enough tail from the figure of eight to comfortably thread back through. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least a foot (30 cm) of tail.
1. Tie the Initial Figure of Eight:
Take the end of your rope and create a bight.
Wrap this bight around the standing part of the rope, passing it behind.
Bring the bight up and thread it through the initial loop you made.
Pull both the bight and the standing part to form a loose but distinct figure of eight knot. At this stage, the knot is still fairly open, and this is intentional.
2. Prepare for Rethreading:
Now, identify the path the standing part of the rope took through the initial figure of eight. You’ll be essentially following this path in reverse with your rope tail.
Visualize the “8” shape. You want to thread your tail alongside the standing part of the rope, retracing its steps.
3. The Rethreading Action:
Take the end of the rope tail and push it through the original loop of the figure of eight knot, just as you did to form the basic knot.
Now, continue to follow the path of the standing part of the rope. This means threading your tail parallel to the standing part, where it emerges from the knot, goes down and around, and comes back up through the initial loop.
Think of it like this: the standing part of the rope went “in, around, and out.” You are now taking the tail and making it go “in, around, and out” in the exact same channels as the standing part, but on the opposite side.
4. Snugging the Knot:
Once you’ve threaded the tail all the way through, mirroring the standing part, it’s time to tighten.
Begin by pulling on the standing part and the tail simultaneously. This will start to close up the knot.
The goal is to create a neat, compact knot where the rethreaded tail lies snugly alongside the standing part of the rope throughout its path. There should be no slack between the rethreaded tail and the standing part.
Work the knot by gently pulling on all four strands of the rope that emerge from the knot – the two strands of the standing part and the two strands of the tail. This ensures an even and secure tightening.
The final knot should look clean and symmetrical, with no overlapping or crossed strands that aren’t part of the intended figure of eight structure.
Why is the Rethreaded Figure of Eight So Important?
The popularity of the rethreaded figure of eight in climbing isn’t by accident. Several key advantages make it the go-to knot for many situations:
Security: This knot is incredibly strong and reliable. It’s designed to hold significant loads without slipping.
Ease of Inspection: One of the most crucial aspects of rope work is the ability to inspect your knots. The rethreaded figure of eight, when tied correctly, is visually straightforward. You can clearly see the parallel strands of the standing part and the tail, confirming that the knot has been tied correctly and is locked in place. Any irregularities or missing parallel strands are clear indicators of an improperly tied knot.
Versatility: It can be used to tie yourself into a harness, to tie into anchor points, or to create a stopper knot.
Relatively Easy to Untie: While incredibly secure under load, once the tension is released, the rethreaded figure of eight is generally easier to untie than some other high-strength knots.
Tips for Perfecting Your Knot:
Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you tie this knot, the more natural and intuitive it will become. Find a quiet place to practice, perhaps with a friend providing feedback.
Use a contrasting color rope: If possible, practicing with a rope that has a distinct color contrast between the working end and the standing part can help in visualizing the threading process.
Leave a sufficient tail: Never skimp on tail length. A short tail can compromise the security of the knot and make it difficult to inspect. A minimum of six inches (15 cm) is often recommended even for non-climbing uses, but for climbing, a foot or more is ideal.
Dress the knot neatly: “Dressing” a knot refers to arranging the strands so they lie flat and parallel, free from twists and kinks. A well-dressed knot is a secure knot.
* Always inspect: Before committing your weight to any knot, always perform a thorough visual inspection. Ensure the knot is dressed correctly, all strands are present, and there are no unusual kinks or protrusions.
Mastering the rethreaded figure of eight knot is a fundamental step in safe climbing and other rope-based activities. By following these steps and practicing diligently, you’ll gain the confidence to tie this essential knot correctly every time, ensuring your safety and the security of your connections. Remember, a well-tied knot is your lifeline.