Tying knots is an essential skill for anyone involved in rock climbing. While many different knots are used in the sport, rock climbing knots serve four primary functions. Knots allow you to join two ropes together, to provide a stopping point at the end of a climbing rope, to control your descent when using a harness and caribiner during rappelling, and to ascend a separate climbing rope using sliding and gripping knots.
Joining Ropes
Step 1
Overlap the ends of the two climbing lines you want to join to begin tying a double fisherman's knot.
Step 2
Wrap one line around the body of the other line 1-1/2 turns. Insert the end of the wrapped line through the wrapping. Snug the knot to the other line.
Step 3
Wrap the other line around the body of the first line two turns. Insert the end of that wrapped line through the wrapping and snug that knot.
Step 4
Hold the main portion of both lines and pull in opposite directions to pull the two knots together and tighten them.
Stopper Knot
Step 1
Bend the end of a rope back on itself to begin tying a double overhand stopper knot.
Step 2
Wrap of the end of the rope around the main portion of the rope two turns. Thread the end of the rope back through the loops in the wrapping.
Step 3
Pull the end of the rope in the main portion of the rope to tighten the stopper knot.
Rappelling Knot
Step 1
Open the metal caribiner clip on your climbing harness to attach a Munter knot. This knot allows you to control the speed of descent when rappelling by applying or releasing pressure on the bottom portion of the rope.
Step 2
Form a loop in your rappelling rope. Pass the hook of the caribiner through the loop so the upper portion of the rope loop is on the open side of the caribiner.
Step 3
Place the lower portion of the rope inside the caribiner and close the caribiner securely. Apply pressure to the lower portion of the rope to tighten or loosen the knot to control your descent.
Friction Knot
Step 1
Tie a double fisherman's knot in the end of a 4- to 6-foot length of climbing rope to form a large loop to start a sliding and gripping knot, known as the Klemheist knot, used to ascend a separate rope.
Step 2
Flatten the loop. Wrap one end of the loop around the ascension rope three times. Pass the main portion of the loop through the end of the loop near the knot.
Step 3
Apply pressure to the large portion of the loop to lock the Klemheist knot in place on the ascension rope. Release pressure to loosen the knot and slide it up or down the ascension rope as needed.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep rock climbing ropes and gear in top condition. Examine your gear regularly for wear and tear, particularly before and after a climb. To be safe, replace any worn or damaged gear.
- Rock climbing is a dangerous activity that can put your life and others at risk. This information is not intended to replace proper training and experience, which are requirements for a safe climbing experience.
Things You'll Need
- Climbing rope
- Climbing harness and caribiner
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