Which stopper knot is used at the end of a rappel line?

Which stopper knot is used at the end of a rappel line?

• A. Figure Eight Knot
• B. Overhand Knot
• C. Clove Hitch
• D. Figure 8 on a Bight

Answer: (D)

When rappelling, you need a stopper at the end of the rope to prevent the rope from slipping back through the device or the anchor. The figure-eight on a bight creates a large, secure stopper knot with a built-in loop, which is less likely to capsize or jam under load and is relatively easy to untie after the rappel is complete. Its bigger profile helps catch the rope end and keeps it from passing through components. A plain figure-eight knot is a good stopper, but tying it on a single tail can be less forgiving when loaded, and it can be harder to untie afterward. The overhand knot tends to cinch tight and can become very difficult to untie once loaded. The clove hitch is an anchor knot, not a stopper at the end of the rope, so it isn’t used to stop the rope end from slipping through gear. So the figure-eight on a bight is the best choice for ending a rappel line.

When rappelling, you need a stopper at the end of the rope to prevent the rope from slipping back through the device or the anchor. The figure-eight on a bight creates a large, secure stopper knot with a built-in loop, which is less likely to capsize or jam under load and is relatively easy to untie after the rappel is complete. Its bigger profile helps catch the rope end and keeps it from passing through components.

A plain figure-eight knot is a good stopper, but tying it on a single tail can be less forgiving when loaded, and it can be harder to untie afterward. The overhand knot tends to cinch tight and can become very difficult to untie once loaded. The clove hitch is an anchor knot, not a stopper at the end of the rope, so it isn’t used to stop the rope end from slipping through gear.

So the figure-eight on a bight is the best choice for ending a rappel line.