How to Do Survival Rope Knots

Knowing how to tie secure knots can be a critical skill in many pastimes and occupations. For firefighter, sailors, climbers and campers, survival can depend on a properly tied knot. They must be able to tie and release knots quickly and tightly using knot forms that will secure heavy objects or withstand the force of different kinds of pull and impact on the rope. There are a number of basic survival knots that anyone can master and that are a good preparation for any wilderness or outdoors experience.

Things You'll Need

  • Rope
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Instructions

  1. Bowline. Anchor Knot

    • 1

      Make a small loop in a length of rope. Allow enough space between the loop and the end of the rope with which to form a larger loop.

    • 2

      Pass the end of the rope around a secure object such as a pole.

    • 3

      Bring the end of the rope up through the small loop.

    • 4

      Pass the rope end under and around the neck of the small loop.

    • 5

      Feed the end of the rope down into the small loop.

    • 6

      Pull on the knot to tighten it. The rope is now secured to the pole.

    Square/Reef Knot. Join Two Pieces of Same Diameter Rope

    • 7

      Hold a working end of each piece of rope in either hand. Place the working end of the rope in the right hand over the one in the left hand.

    • 8

      Pull the working end from the right hand under and back over the top of the rope in the left hand.

    • 9

      Place the working end of the rope in the left hand over the one in the right hand.

    • 10

      Pull the working end from the left hand under and back over the top of the rope in the right hand.

    • 11

      Pull the knot tight to secure the ropes together.

    Two Half Hitches. Anchor Knot

    • 12

      Loop the working end of the rope to be tied off around a secure object. Bring the end back under the standing part of the rope.

    • 13

      Pass the working end of the rope through the loop created in Step 1.

    • 14

      Feed the working end of the rope under the standing part again. Pass the rope again though the loop so that the two half hitches sit on top of each other.

    • 15

      Pull the working end of the rope to tighten the knot.