Figure-eight loop

Figure-eight loop
Names Figure-eight loop, Flemish loop
Category Loop
Related figure-eight knot, flemish bend, Figure-of-nine loop, spider hitch
Releasing Jamming
Typical use climbing, caving
Caveat jams
ABoK #1047
Instructions

A figure-eight loop (also figure-eight on a bight or Flemish loop or Flemish eight) is a type of knot created by a loop on the bight. It is used in climbing and caving where rope strains are light to moderate and for decorative purposes. The knot is commonly followed by tying a strangle knot (a.k.a. half a double fisherman's knot) or an overhand knot around the standing end.[1]

The Flemish loop or figure-eight loop is perhaps stronger than the loop knot. Neither of these knots is used at sea, as they are hard to untie. In hooking a tackle to any of the loops, if the loop is long enough it is better to arrange the rope as a cat's paw.

The double figure eight is used to put a loop in the end of a rope, or around an object. It is relatively easy to tie and is secure, but can become difficult to untie after heavy loading, and can jam badly in any rope type.

Tying methods

Traditional

A figure-of-eight loop tied using the follow-through method.

A figure-eight loop is created by doubling the rope into a bight, then tying the standard figure-eight knot.

Follow through

Alternatively, to tie the knot directly around an object, the follow through method must be used.

See also

References

  1. Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills, 8th ed., p. 141
  2. Ashley, Clifford W. (1944). The Ashley Book of Knots, p.190. Doubleday. ISBN 0-385-04025-3.


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