Rope Care & Knots

Lesson Objectives

Students are expected to know how to identify and correctly tie the following knots and hitches:

(These knots will be tested in the final assessment)

Overhand Knot
Rewoven Figure 8
Figure 8 on Bight
Clove Hitch
Girth Hitch
Prusik Hitch
Autoblock Hitch
Double Fisherman's Knot
Alpine Butterfly Knot

Additionally, students should be able to demonstrate the following:

Basic practices to prevent rope damage
Butterfly coil a rope
Backpack coil a rope

Knots, Bends, and Hitches

Overhand Knot

Rewoven Figure 8

Figure 8 on a Bight

Clove Hitch

Girth Hirth

Prusik Hitch

Autoblock Hitch

Double Fisherman's

Alpine Butterfly

Other useful Knots to know: Munter Hitch, Bowline, and Water Knot

www.animatedknots.com is another great resource for step-by-step instructions

Rope Care Best Practices

Avoid stepping on the rope, especially with crampons.
Keep climbing ropes away from chemical products as they are susceptible to deterioration from certain chemicals. Car fluids, which may collect on pavement, can be particularly damaging, so do not set down ropes in parking lots.
Store ropes out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. Prolonged UV exposure will weaken a rope.
Try to keep the rope clean. Particles of soil and rock wear down the nylon filaments, so use a tarp or rope bag under the rope when possible.
Treat the rope as if it was your own and as if your safety will depend on it—because it will.
Always alert others by shouting "ROPE!" before throwing the end of the rope off of a ledge.

Coiling a Rope

One of the most distinctive features of an alpine climber is the rope tied to the pack. Ropes are generally coiled before they are stored or carried. This helps keep the rope neat and avoids excessive tangling. The Butterfly Coil is frequently used because it is easy to carry over the top of a backpack and flakes out without twists.

Inspecting and Caring for Climbing Rope

It's good practice to always check that your rope is free of cuts and other damage before going out. This is especially true if you aren't familiar with the rope that you are using. Ropes should be carefully checked inch-by-inch, as damage may not be obvious. This is for the safety of yourself and your teammates.

Things to look out for:

Cuts
Burns
Flat or soft spots
Sheath bunching up over the core

Knowledge Check

Please complete the required knowledge check before moving on:

Knowledge Check - Rope Care and Knots