Figure Eight Follow Through
( Figure Eight Retrace | Rerouted Figure Eight Loop | Threaded Figure Eight Loop | ABOK #1047 )
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Usage
A Figure Eight Loop is used in climbing and caving where rope strains are light to moderate and is used to put a fixed loop in the end of a rope, or around an object. It is relatively easy to tie and is secure, but can become difficult to untie after heavy loading, and can jam badly in any rope type. The follow-through (re-thread) method is used when the knot must be tied around an object that cannot easily have a loop slipped over it. In particular, it is used to attach a rope to a climbing harness. The Double Bowline accomplishes the same task, can be tied faster, and does not jam however the Figure Eight Loop is easier to teach to beginners and quickly verify that it has been tied correctly.
Common Uses
- tie a climbing rope directly to a harness.
- attach a rope to a fixed anchor point by threading through it.
- create a secure end-of-rope loop around a tree, post, ring or rail.
- tie into a rescue harness with a strong, trusted knot.
- attach a rope to any object that the loop cannot slip over.
- provide a visually verifiable tie-in that is easy to inspect.
- attach a rope securely to a swing seat or board.
- form a loop that absolutely will not come undone under load.
- anchor a rappel rope around a tree by threading the figure eight back through itself.
- tie an anchor around a structural beam or column for rescue.
Warning ⚠️
Verify tying technique with a skilled instructor where knot failure could cause property damage, injury, or death.
Also known as
- Figure Eight Retrace
- Rerouted Figure Eight Loop
- Threaded Figure Eight Loop
ABOK
- 1047
Structure
The final structure of the Figure Eight Follow Through is identical to the Figure Eight Loop — it is just the method of tying that differs. One can easily make a loop by doubling the rope, then tying the standard Figure Eight Knot. If the loop has to be made around a post or through a ring, and only one end of the rope is available, the follow-through (also known as the re-threaded) method is used by tying a loose Figure Eight knot in the rope, then putting the working end around the object or through a ring. The working end is retraced through the original Figure Eight knot.
