Fire, Search & Rescue (SAR) Knots

How to tie search, rescue (SAR) and fire service knots.

Fire, Search & Rescue (SAR) Knots

Fire, Search & Rescue (SAR) Knots

Get the app! ★★★★★ 4.9 / 5 (63,743)

Alpine Butterfly

Alpine Butterfly

Secure loop in the middle of a rope.

Alpine Butterfly (Hand Method)

Alpine Butterfly (Hand Method)

Secure loop in the middle of a rope.

Bowline

Relatively secure fixed loop at the end of a rope.

Bowline on a Bight

Bowline on a Bight

Secure double loop in the middle of a rope.

Clove Hitch

Secure a rope to a post or spar.

Clove Hitch (Two Loop)

Clove Hitch (Two Loop)

Attach a rope to a carabiner without access to ends.

Double Bight Figure Eight

Double Bight Figure Eight

Two secure loops in the middle of a rope.

Double Fisherman's Knot

Double Fisherman's Knot

Securely join two ropes of similar size, often used in climbing.

Double Overhand Knot

Double Overhand Knot

Reliable, bulky stopper knot at the end of a rope.

Figure Eight

Simple stopper knot preventing rope from slipping through belay device or hole.

Figure Eight Bend

Figure Eight Bend

Securely joins two ropes, often used in climbing and rescue operations.

Figure Eight Follow Through

Figure Eight Follow Through

Secure loop knot used to tie a rope to a harness or anchor.

Figure Eight Loop

Figure Eight Loop

Secure, fixed loop at the end of a rope.

Fireman's Chair

Fireman's Chair

Makeshift rescue harness with two adjustable, lockable loops.

Fireman's Coil

Coil and store rope neatly, with a loop for easy hanging.

Gasket Coil

Neatly store rope or cords, preventing tangles for easy handling.

Handcuff Knot

Two adjustable loops used for rescue in tight spaces.

In-Line Figure Eight Loop

In-Line Figure Eight Loop

Secure, directional, load-bearing loop in the middle of a rope.

Klemheist

Directional friction hitch for ascending or descending on a rope.

Munter Hitch

Friction hitch for controlled descent or belaying in climbing and rescue.

Munter Mule

Lockable hitch for securing and releasing a loaded rope during rappelling.

Overhand Knot

Simple, single strand stopper knot.

Pedigree Cow Hitch

Pedigree Cow Hitch

More secure variant of the Cow Hitch.

Poldo Tackle

Mechanical advantage tensioning system designed for rapid tightening or loosening.

Prusik

Bi-directional friction hitch used for ascending or descending on a rope.

Rethreaded Bowline

Rethreaded Bowline

Double loop tie-in knot.

Scott's Locked Bowline

Scott's Locked Bowline

Secure tie-in knot for lead climbing and anchor systems.

Snap Bowline

Quick to tie, Relatively secure fixed loop.

Super Munter

High-friction hitch tied on a carabiner, ideal for lowering heavy loads.

Swiss Seat

Basic rappel harness fashioned using rope or webbing.

Tensionless Hitch

Tensionless Hitch

Strong, knot-free hitch for maximum rope strength and secure anchoring.

Timber Hitch

Simple knot for hauling timber, initiating lashings, and attaching bowstrings or guitar strings.

Voodoo Hitch

Adjustable tensioning hitch.

Water Knot

Join two ends of webbing.

⚠️ Verify tying technique with a skilled instructor where knot failure could cause property damage, injury, or death.

Knot Categories

Knot Types