How to Tie a Rethreaded Figure of 8 Climbing Knot

Last Updated: June 2, 2021

A re-threaded figure-of-eight, (also called a figure-of-eight follow-through) knot is used by climbers to tie in to a harness. It's safe, strong, and easy to tie. You make a figure-of-eight with a single rope, loop through the harness, and then follow the rope back through the figure-of-eight. With these instructions, you'll learn how to do it properly.

Steps

1
Make a loop in the rope with about five feet (1.5 meters) of working end.
2
Go over the long end and through the hole.

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3
Put the working end through your harness.
4
Take the working end and follow the knot back around, retracing the original figure-of-eight knot end (varies by person and rope diameter).
5
Double over the section of rope.
6
While holding the section together, use that section to create a loop.
7
With the end of the loop created by the bend of where the rope was doubled over, go around the new loop and through it.
8
Pull tight, and dress the knot!
9
Be sure to leave enough room for a tail to create the safety knot.

Method 1

Method 1 of 1:

Before You Climb

1
Dress the knot. Make sure that the rope is not twisted in any place in the knot.
2
Have your belayer check the knot before you climb. You should also check his or her set-up for extra safety.

Community Q&A

Question

What's the best knot to connect two ropes?

Community Answer

Depends on what you want to do with the two ropes in question. If you only want to connect two ropes at the ends for a longer line, the best knot for that is the triple fisherman's knot. The double fisherman's is also good (and consumes a bit less rope), but if the two ropes are different in thickness or other characteristics, the triple fisherman's is the safest option possible, especially in mountain climbing.

Warnings

You should never climb alone.

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Always double check your knots, then have someone else check them, no matter how experienced you are.

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Remember, the world's best-tied knot won't help you if your harness isn't fastened properly and doubled back.

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Rock climbing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. Seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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Don't leave the ground until you have checked that your knot, your harness, and your belayers harness are secure. Additionally, make sure that your belayer's technique is appropriate.

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