How to Tie a QAS

A quick attachment safety (QAS) is a piece of equipment used in rappelling, climbing or caving to provide an extra measure of security when changing to a different rope for ascending, descending or changing direction. A QAS can be tied in a variety of ways, from a simple but controversial overhand knot to a barrel knot. The double overhand on itself knot has clear advantages in ease of use and strength.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/2 yard of 8 mm prusik cord
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay the prusik cord in a vertical line in front of you.

    • 2

      Pick up the cord at the top end and loop it 180 degrees around on itself in a clockwise direction so you create a tight curve. Place the raw end of the rope in your hand directly next to the long piece of rope to its left so there is about 8 inches between the top of the curve and the end of the rope.

    • 3

      Pick up the short piece of cord, slide it underneath the long piece of cord so you have a rough circle shape, and insert it through the circle you just created. Pull the short piece of cord out the other side of the circle, leaving the knot loose.

    • 4

      Loop the short piece of the cord around the long piece of cord one more time and pull it out, pushing the double overhand knot gently toward the curve at the top of the cord. Tighten the knot by placing pressure outward on each end of the cord.

    • 5

      Open the metal clasp of the QAS and slide it through the small loop above the double overhand knot. Tighten the knot again if necessary.