Use of Safety Rope to Extend an Anchor Point

When setting up an anchor for top rope rock climbing, your anchor rope must extend over the cliff edge. If you find yourself coming up short, you can extend the anchor with the use of extra rope or webbing. Never allow your climbing rope to rest on the edge. All that rubbing on your rope will damage it and render it unsafe to use.

  1. What to Bring

    • Locking carabiner

      If you plan to set up a top rope anchor when you go climbing, do not assume that your anchor rope will be long enough to extend over the edge of the cliff. You may find that the only available trees or rocks to tie your anchor to are set far back from the edge. Always bring extra lengths of rope or webbing, plus extra locking carabiners. That way, you will be able to extend your rope to create a safe anchor.

    Knowing When to Extend an Anchor

    • Double fisherman's knot

      When you are setting up a top rope anchor, you will generally first tie your anchor rope to two trees or boulders near the edge of the cliff. You then find the point on your rope that extends directly over the route you plan on climbing, which is called the master point. If, once you tie the master knot in your rope, the rope does not extend beyond the edge of the cliff, you need to make your anchor longer, using your extra rope and carabiners.

    Extending an Anchor

    • Figure eight on a bight

      To extend your anchor, untie the master knot and one end of the anchor rope from around the anchor point. Find a piece of webbing or rope that is an appropriate length. If you are using a piece of rope or other round material, tie the ends of it together with a double fisherman's knot to create a loop. If it is a flat piece of webbing, tie the ends together with a water knot. Attach the extender to your anchor point with a girth hitch. Make a loop in the end of your anchor rope by tying a figure eight on a bight. Attach the anchor rope to the extender with a locking carabiner. Re-tie the master knot and check that it safely extends over the edge of the cliff.