Figure of Eight Hitch
The Figure of Eight Hitch is extremely quick and easy to tie and has applications in virtually every aspect of rope knots. Indeed, the figure of eight hitch can be classified as a true general purpose knot. It forms a secure join to a fixed object and derives its security from the fact that the working end twists back on itself, trapping it between the fixed object or rail and the knot itself.
Climbers use it for securing coil's hanging loop to harness loops. Sailors to start a fix to a spar.
It should be used with some caution on nylon based cords, however is secure on all other types of ropes.
About Rope and Knots
Regardless of your situation at some point in your life you’ll encounter a thread, cord or rope knot. Research records of archaeologist J Wymer shows records of knots as far back as 380,000 years ago! Some of these knots are as described, as used then, on this site.
Your life will be made easier and safer with some knowledge of how to tie a knot.
This site holds over 250 different animated knots. That is more than most could be expected to reasonably use. However, the question still remains; for the situation you currently find yourself, which knot should you use?
It is my hope that the animated illustrations provided on this site will assist and encourage you to extend your knot tying skills.
Rope knots can basically be divided into the following groups:
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Bends - Joining two lines by intertwining them, without splicing, or sewing.
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Hitches - A knot that secures a rope or line to another object.
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Stopper – Used to bind strands at the end of a rope to stop fraying or unraveling.
Also formed to stop a rope slipping through a hole or to provide a weight or handhold.
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Bindings – Much like hitches. They are used to bind either lines or objects together. Their aim is
to keep objects in place.
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Splices – Describes the act of joining the ends, or the end and a standing part, of rope by
interweaving strands. They are not knots in themselves.
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Loops – Loops create structures used to tie, or secure, another object or line to another line.
They can be formed at the end or midway a length of rope.
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Plaits - Weaving several lines together to form a pattern and a cohesive structure.
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Miscellaneous & Decorative – Knots that have decorative, dress or multiple category
characteristics.
The rope knot section of this site is set out with these groups firmly in mind.
Good luck
Andy
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andrew Galwey is the publisher of Australia’s most successful trailer boating publication, Trailerboat Fisherman and Australian Boating, a publication dedicated to the cruiser enthusiast. He developed the Internet site www.marinews.com back in 1996 as a window to pass on some of his skills. Fishing, boating and the art of knot tying are certainly skills he’s mastered well. As a fishing enthusiast, fishing both commercially and recreationally, Andy developed a fascination and skill for the art of knot tying. His 40 years of both working the land and boating has seen those knot tying skills extended way beyond fishing knots and into the world of rope knots as well.
He’s a member of the Pacific Americas Branch of the International Guild of Knot Tyers and encourages anyone with a knot tying interest to visit their website (www.igktpab.org).
Marinews would like to thank Andy for his support and hope you not only learn from this excellent section on knot tying but also get many hours of enjoyment from it.
Any Questions? Visit our Forum.
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