Many of the tasks we do in search and rescue require knowledge of knots. At times during a training session, it appears that we are Boy Scouts working on merit badges but being able to tie the proper knot when under stress is an essential skill.
There are literally hundreds of knots. We limit the number of knots to a few to be proficient. However, this does not mean that you cannot learn and use other useful knots.
Basic Knots
Overhand
Basic stopper knot
Sheet Bend
The Sheet Bend is a simple knot used to tie two ropes together. It is not to be used in any rope system with a load!
Square Knot
The Square Knot is used to tie two ropes of similar size together. It is not to be used in any load bearing system!
Remember right over left, left over right!
Essential Knots
Figure Eight on a Bight
The Figure Eight on a Bight is a strong easy to tie knot used along with a carabiner to build rope systems and to attach a harness..
Bowline
The Bowline is another strong easy to tie knot. It can be easier to untie than the Figure Eight on a Bight especially after the knot has been under load. It can work loose when not loaded or when pulled sideways.
Alpine Butterfly
The Alpine Butterfly is used mid-line to provide an attachment point. It can be loaded in any direction.
Double Fisherman’s bend
The Double Fisherman’s bend is used to join two ropes together. It can also be used to make a Prusik.
Water knot
We use the Water or follow through knot to form a wrap 3 pull 2 anchor for rope systems.
Prusik hitch
The Prusik hitch is used to attach a Prusik to a load bearing rope.
Double Overhand Knot
The Double Overhand Knot is a stopper knot. It is used at the end of rope in a system to prevent moving beyond the end of the rope.
Handy to know Knots
Clove Hitch
The Clove Hitch is used where the length of the running end needs to be adjustable. Feeding in rope from either direction will loosen the knot to be tightened at a new position.
Girth hitch
The Girth Hitch is used to connect a loop of webbing or cord to a fixed point like a carabiner, or your harness’s tie-in points
Also known as Bale Sling Hitch or Strap Hitch
Munter hitch
The Munter hitch is used as load releasable tie off.
Using this method to rappel only in an emergency it high wear on rope because of the rope-on-rope contact.