Free eBook Coming Soon. Sign Up for Early Access!

Bachmann Knot

Updated on:

The Bachmann Knot is a friction knot used in climbing, mountaineering, and search & rescue operations.

It’s a slide-and-grip knot that uses a carabiner as a handle to advance the knot up and down the main rope.

This makes it a great choice during emergencies where a friction hitch needs to be replaced often and urgently.

Let’s learn it in detail.

Bachmann Knot Details

Type: Slide and Grip Knot

Other Names: Bachman Knot

ABoK Reference: Not Available

How to Tie a Bachmann Knot

  1. Clip the Prusik cord through the carabiner.
  2. Align the carabiner spine along the climbing rope. Make sure the Fisherman’s knot is offset a little from the bottom.
  3. Wrap the cord around the rope and the carabiner.
  4. Bring the end of the cord out through the carabiner.

If you need to release the knot, slide the carabiner up and down the rope. To lock the carabiner, simply apply weight.

To undo the knot, simply unclip the top loop. Then, pull the cord free while holding the carabiner.

Bachmann Knot Step by Step

To tie the Bachmann Knot, clip the Prusik loop through the crabinber. Wrap it through the carabiner 3-4 times.

Then, allow the end of the cord to hang down through the carabiner.

Finally, clip the load onto the hanging loop.

bachmann-knot-step-by-step
Bachmann Knot Diagram

Things to Consider

  • Always use a locking carabiner since you’ll be grabbing it to move the hitch. Even if you use a non locking carabiner, ALWAYS place the gate of the carabiner screw in a downward direction.
  • Make sure not to wrap the Double Fisherman’s Knot in the wrapping.
  • Never grip the carabiner to apply loads as it may lead to slipping.
  • Use a round cross-section carabiner for friction.
  • Test the knot before climbing so that it grips properly.

Choosing the Right Rope Size

The Prusik loop should be tied with a rope of a diameter less than the main rope. In any case, it should be no more than 70% of the diameter of the main rope.

Example: if you use a 9mm main rope, a 6mm Prusik cord is enough.

If the diameters of both ropes are close to each other, the knot won’t grip effectively.

Pros & Cons

  • Easy to tie and untie.
  • Easy to tie with gloves on.
  • It can be loaded in only one direction, i.e., downwards.
  • Does not provide enough friction on wet or iced up ropes.

Application and Uses

  • It’s used in climbing, search and rescue, and mountaineering to ascend or descend the rope.
  • It’s used as a backup for a self rescue in crevices to hoist up the casualty.
  • It’s used as a simple aid in climbing up a rope.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the benefit of the Bachmann knot over the Prusik?

The Bachmann knot has one advantage over the Prusik—the use of the carabiner. 

It works as a handle that makes it easy to reset the knot quickly.

When you need to move, just slide the carabiner instead of manually loosening and resetting the Prusik.


Like the article? Share it or Bookmark for future reference!

🎉 Free Ebook: The Most Essential Knots 🎉

Master the essential knots with clear, step-by-step instructions and illustrations! Download our free ebook "The Most Essential Knots"—perfect for beginners and outdoor enthusiasts.

Download Your Free Ebook Now

Leave a Comment

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

cleat-hitch-diagram-how-to-tie-a-cleat-hitch-step-by-step-knotspedia

Boating Knots

Cleat Hitch

The Cleat Hitch is the go-to knot for securing dock lines to a cleat—easy to tie, quick to release, reliable under load, but often mis-tied at docks.

sailor's-knot-diagram-how-to-tie-the-sailor's-knot-knotspedia

Hitch Knots

Sailor’s Hitch

The Sailor’s Hitch is a secure knot for tying rope to objects or another rope. It grips firmly, won’t jam, and is ideal for sailing, rescue, and camping.

arbor-knot-diagram-how-to-tie-a-arbor-knot-knotspedia

Fishing Knots

Arbor Knot

The Arbor Knot securely attaches fishing line to any reel spool. Simple to tie, compact, and reliable, it’s also handy in bushcraft as the Canadian Jam Knot.

racking-bend-diagram-how-to-tie-a-racking-bend-knot-step-by-step

Bend Knots

Racking Bend

The Racking Bend is a secure knot for joining ropes of different diameters. Stronger than a Double Sheet Bend, it grips tightly and resists slipping.

double-coin-knot-diagram-how-to-tie-a-double-coin-knot-knotspedia

Decorative Knots

Double Coin Knot

The Double Coin Knot is an ancient Chinese decorative knot, easy to tie, beautiful, and often used in jewelry, crafts, and traditional Chinese knotting.

celtic-button-knot-diagram-how-to-tie-a-celtic-button-knot-knotspedia

Decorative Knots, Stopper Knots

Celtic Button Knot

The Celtic Button Knot is a simple single-strand stopper knot used in jewelry, lanyards, and decorative rope projects. Step-by-step guide.