Tie A Retraced Figure 8 Climbing Knot: Step-by-Step Guide

Sep 5, 2025 by Henrik Larsen 58 views

Hey guys! Are you ready to level up your climbing knot game? Today, we're diving deep into one of the most essential knots every climber should know: the rethreaded figure 8. This knot is a cornerstone for safe climbing, whether you're sport climbing, trad climbing, or even hitting the gym. It’s strong, reliable, and relatively easy to inspect, making it a go-to for connecting your rope to your harness. So, let's get started and make sure you're tying this knot like a pro!

Why the Retraced Figure 8 is Your Best Friend

Before we jump into the how-to, let’s chat about why the rethreaded figure 8 knot is such a big deal. In the climbing world, safety is paramount, and your knot is a critical link in your safety system. The figure 8, in general, is renowned for its strength and stability. When it’s rethreaded, it becomes even more secure.

Strength and Security: This knot maintains a high percentage of the rope's breaking strength. This means it can withstand significant force, which is exactly what you need when you're trusting your life to a rope.
Ease of Inspection: One of the best things about the rethreaded figure 8 is how easy it is to inspect. You can quickly glance at it and confirm that it's tied correctly. This visual check is crucial before you leave the ground.
Reduced Jamming: Compared to some other knots, the rethreaded figure 8 is less likely to jam under load. This makes it easier to untie after a fall or a long climb.
Versatility: Whether you're top-roping, lead climbing, or setting up anchors, this knot is a solid choice. It's a versatile knot that fits into almost any climbing scenario.

Using the rethreaded figure 8 gives you peace of mind. It's a knot you can trust, and in climbing, trust is everything. So, let’s get this knot mastered!

Gear You'll Need

Alright, before we get our hands busy, let’s make sure we have all the necessary gear. Don't worry; it’s a pretty simple list. Having the right equipment is the first step in ensuring a safe and successful climb. Here’s what you’ll need:

Climbing Rope: Obviously, you can't tie a knot without a rope! Use a dynamic climbing rope that’s appropriate for the type of climbing you’re doing. The rope should be in good condition, free from any cuts, abrasions, or excessive wear. Always inspect your rope before each use – it’s a critical safety check.
Climbing Harness: Your harness is what you’ll be attaching the rope to, so it needs to be a proper climbing harness. Make sure it fits snugly but comfortably around your waist and legs. Inspect the harness for any damage to the webbing, buckles, or stitching. A well-fitted and well-maintained harness is essential for your safety and comfort on the wall.

That’s it! Simple, right? Now that we’ve got our gear sorted, we’re ready to dive into the step-by-step guide on how to tie the rethreaded figure 8. Let's get knotting!

Step-by-Step Guide to Tying a Retraced Figure 8

Okay, guys, let’s get to the main event: tying the rethreaded figure 8. This might seem a bit tricky at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be whipping this knot out like a seasoned pro. We're going to break it down into easy-to-follow steps, so you can nail it every time. Grab your rope and let's get started!

Step 1: Make a Figure 8

Start by holding the rope in your hand. Take the working end (that’s the end you’ll be using to tie the knot) and cross it over the standing end (the part of the rope that goes to your belayer or anchor). This will create a loop. Now, bring the working end around the standing end and then back through the loop you just made. Voila! You’ve got a basic figure 8. Make sure the loop is big enough to pass through later – a little foresight here will save you some hassle.

Step 2: Thread Through Your Harness

Next up, take the working end of the rope and thread it through both loops of your harness. It’s super important that you go through both the waist belt and the leg loops. This ensures that the knot is securely attached to your harness and that the load is distributed properly. Skipping this step is a big no-no, so double-check that you’ve got it right. Remember, your harness is your connection to the rope, so make sure it’s solid.

Step 3: Retrace the Figure 8

This is where the “rethreaded” part comes in. Take the working end of the rope and carefully retrace the figure 8 you initially made. Follow the path of the rope exactly, going back through each loop and twist in the same direction. Think of it like tracing a drawing – you're just following the lines that are already there. This step is crucial for creating a strong and secure knot, so take your time and make sure you’re retracing the knot correctly. The better you retrace it, the stronger your knot will be.

Step 4: Tighten and Dress the Knot

Now, it’s time to tighten things up. Gently pull on all four strands of the rope – the working end, the standing end, and both parts of the loop that go through your harness. This will help the knot to set properly and distribute the load evenly. Once you’ve tightened the knot, it’s time to “dress” it. Dressing the knot means making sure all the strands are running neatly and parallel to each other, without any twists or kinks. A well-dressed knot is not only stronger but also easier to inspect. Think of it as giving your knot a little TLC before you trust it with your life!

Step 5: Check Your Work

Last but definitely not least, give your knot a final inspection. Make sure the knot looks clean and tidy, with no crossed strands or twists. The rethreaded figure 8 should resemble a figure 8 with the rope neatly retracing itself. Double-check that the working end of the rope is long enough – a good rule of thumb is that it should be at least 6-8 inches long. This ensures that the knot won’t come undone under load. If everything looks good, you’re good to go! Remember, a thorough check is the final step in ensuring your safety, so never skip it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Alright, now that we've walked through the steps, let's talk about some common pitfalls. Knowing what mistakes to avoid is just as important as knowing how to tie the knot correctly. We want to make sure you're not just tying the rethreaded figure 8, but you're tying it right. So, let's dive into some common errors and how to dodge them.

Mistake 1: Forgetting to Retrace the Knot

This is a biggie. The whole point of the rethreaded figure 8 is that it's rethreaded! If you just tie a regular figure 8 and clip it into your harness, you're missing a crucial step. Retracing the knot adds significant strength and security. So, always, always, always retrace the knot. It's the difference between a solid knot and one that might not hold when you need it most.

Mistake 2: Not Threading Through Both Harness Loops

Another critical error is only threading the rope through the waist belt or just the leg loops of your harness. The rope needs to go through both the waist belt and the leg loops to distribute the load properly. If you only use one loop, the harness might not hold correctly in a fall, and that’s a situation you definitely want to avoid. Double-check that the rope goes through both loops every single time.

Mistake 3: Tying a Messy Knot

A messy knot is a weak knot. If the strands are crossed, twisted, or not running parallel, the knot won't hold as much weight. Plus, a messy knot is harder to inspect, which means you might miss a critical flaw. Take the time to dress the knot properly, making sure everything is neat and tidy. A clean knot is a strong knot, and a strong knot is a safe knot.

Mistake 4: Leaving Too Short of a Tail

The “tail” is the working end of the rope that’s left after you’ve tied the knot. If the tail is too short, there’s a risk that the knot could come undone under load. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 6-8 inches of tail. This gives the knot enough to hold onto and prevents slippage. Err on the side of caution here – a little extra rope is better than a knot that fails.

Mistake 5: Not Double-Checking

Finally, one of the biggest mistakes is not double-checking your work. Even if you’re a knot-tying ninja, it’s crucial to give your knot a final inspection before you start climbing. Look for any of the mistakes we’ve talked about, and make sure everything looks solid. It’s always better to catch an error on the ground than to discover it mid-climb. Make checking your knot a habit, and you’ll climb safer and with more confidence.

By being aware of these common mistakes, you’re already one step ahead. Practice makes perfect, so keep tying that rethreaded figure 8 and avoiding these errors, and you’ll be climbing like a pro in no time!

Practice Makes Perfect

Alright, we've covered the steps, we've talked about the mistakes, now it’s time for the most important part: practice! You can read about tying a rethreaded figure 8 all day long, but the real learning happens when you get your hands on a rope and start practicing. Think of it like learning to ride a bike – you can watch videos and read instructions, but you won't truly master it until you hop on and start pedaling.

Start Slow: Don’t rush the process. Take your time and go through each step carefully. It’s better to tie the knot slowly and correctly than to rush and make mistakes.
Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Try to practice tying the knot several times a week, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. This will help build muscle memory and make the process feel more natural.
Use a Mirror: Practicing in front of a mirror can be incredibly helpful. It allows you to see the knot from a different perspective and identify any errors you might be missing.
Teach Someone Else: One of the best ways to solidify your knowledge is to teach someone else. Explaining the steps to a friend or family member will help you understand the knot on a deeper level.
Practice Without Looking: Once you feel comfortable tying the knot while looking at it, try tying it without looking. This is a great way to test your muscle memory and ensure you can tie the knot even in less-than-ideal conditions. Imagine you're on a climb and need to re-tie your knot quickly – you want to be able to do it without thinking too much.

Remember, mastering the rethreaded figure 8 is not just about being able to tie it; it’s about being able to tie it confidently and correctly every single time. So, grab your rope, find a quiet spot, and start practicing. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become, and the safer you’ll be on the wall. Happy knotting!

Conclusion

So, there you have it, guys! You've now got the knowledge and the steps to tie a rethreaded figure 8, one of the most crucial knots in climbing. We’ve walked through why it’s so important, the gear you need, the step-by-step process, common mistakes to avoid, and the importance of practice. This knot is more than just a skill; it’s a cornerstone of your safety on the wall.

Remember, climbing is an amazing sport, but it comes with inherent risks. By mastering essential skills like tying the rethreaded figure 8, you're taking a significant step in managing those risks and ensuring you have many safe and enjoyable climbs ahead. The confidence that comes from knowing you’ve tied a secure knot is invaluable when you’re high above the ground.

Keep practicing, stay safe, and keep climbing! The rethreaded figure 8 is your friend, your reliable partner in every climb. Now go out there and crush it, knowing you’ve got this knot down pat. Happy climbing, everyone!