The Figure 8 on a Bight is one of the ways to make a Figure 8 loop.
It’s used for anchor building, attach rope to a carabiner, climbing harness or belay devices.
And the best part?
You don’t need the rope’s end to tie this knot, so it’s used for mid rope connections.
Let’s learn this knot in detail.
Figure Eight on a Bight Details
Type: Loop
Other Name: Figure 8 Loop, Flemish Loop
ABoK Reference: #1047
How to Tie Figure 8 on a Bight Knot
- Make a loop with the bight of the rope.
- Pass the working end under the standing part.
- Feed the bight through the loop.
- Tighten the knot.
Related: How to Tie the Perfect Figure 8 Knot
If your knot looks like a number 8, you’ve done it right. Just make sure the loops are parallel and not crossing over each other.
Don’t forget to dress the knot as shown in the animation slides above and leave at least a 6 inch of tail excess.
As a backup knot, you can tie a simple Overhand knot or a Double Fisherman’s knot.
Where Do You Use It?
The Figure 8 on a Bight is used in climbing for anchor setups.
It’s used in the following applications:
- Canyoning
- Rock Climbing
- Caving
- Firefighters rescue works
- Decorative use
- Anchor building
- Fixing rope for rappelling
Pros and Cons
The Figure 8 on a bight is strong and easy to tie knot.
It’s a failsafe method of making a mid-rope connection during climbing.
Remember that this knot can jam up pretty badly after being under a heavy load and be tough to untie afterward.
If you’re dealing with a high load situation, consider using other knots like a Butterfly Knot.
Always load the Figure 8 on a Bight knot along the line of the knot.
It’s not meant to bear loads in two opposing directions. It can cause the knot to roll under heavy loads.
It is for the same reason you should NEVER use Figure 8 knot for joining two ropes together.
Other Similar knots
Directional Figure 8
The Directional figure 8 creates a loop in the middle of the rope.
It is used by the climbers as a load bearing knot and takes the strain in one direction only.
If you apply the load in the wrong direction the knot can capsize and function as a Noose knot.
In practice, it is used for hauling items midloops or create a handle in the middle of the rope.
Alpine Butterfly Knot
The Alpine butterfly loop forms a secure loop in the middle of the rope.
It is more stable than Figure 8 on a bight and Bowline on a bight—both have tendency to roll over.
It’s also easy to untie after a heavy load.
Double Figure 8 Knot
The Double Figure 8 knot has two loops popularly known as the Bunny ears.
It is used for anchor setups when you need to clip into two anchors using the same strand of rope.
It does not come loose and is even better than the Bowline knot.
Figure 8 Follow Through Loop
The Figure 8 follow through is one of the ways to create a Figure 8 loop.
It’s used as a standard tie in knot in climbing to secure the rope to harness like the carabiners to protect the climbers from fall.
It’s often secured in the end with a backup knot.
Figure 8 Bend
The Figure 8 bend does not form a loop, but is used to connect two ropes together.
It’s listed here because there is a misunderstanding that Figure 8 on a bight can be used to join two ropes together.
The Figure 8 on a bight should NEVER be used as a bend knot. NEVER!
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