The Figure 8 Follow Through loop is a go-to tie-in knot for connecting rope to a ring, a carabiner, or your own harness.
According to Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills, this knot reduces a rope’s strength by 20 to 25 percent—retaining 75 to 80 percent of the rope’s original strength.
But don’t worry—it’s still super strong for most climbing scenarios!!
Plus, it’s easy to tie, untie, remember, and double-check. What’s not to love?
Figure 8 Follow Through Loop Details
Type: Loop
Other Names: Trace Eight Knot, Figure Eight Re-thread
How to Tie the Figure 8 Follow Through Loop
- Tie a loose Figure 8 knot.
- Wrap it around the anchor (harness or ring).
- Thread the tail back through the knot, following the rope’s original path. First, pass it through both loops.
- Then, pass it through the upper loop.
- Take it behind the upper loop again.
- Pass it next to the upper line through the lower loop and parallel to the standing end.
- Pull each rope ends to tighten.
If the knot resembles a Figure 8, you’ve tied it correctly.
Make sure that there are two strands next to each other at each part of the Figure 8 Follow Through Knot.
If not, tighten by pulling all four strands coming out of the knot.
Also, the tail should be running up out the top of the knot with at least six inches of excess.
To untie, press down on both sides of the knot repeatedly. This will begin to loosen it.
Should You Tie a Backup knot?
If tied and dressed properly with enough tail, the Figure 8 Follow Through does not need a backup knot.
But, if you want extra security, tie an Overhand or Double Fisherman’s knot.
Double Bowline as an Alternatives
Tied properly, the Double Bowline is a reliable climbing knot. It can easily withstand the impact of a fall without fusing.
However, this knot is not widely known or used as the figure eight. In fact, many climbers may not know how to check this knot.
It demands more time and skill to visually inspect the Bowline, even for the experts.
On the other hand, the Figure Eight Loop is easier to teach to beginners and quickly verify. So, why complicate things with other knots?
The Figure Eight Follow Through is dependable any day of the week.
Applications and Uses
Rock climbing: Attach a rope to a harness.
Boating: Docking a boat to a post.
Arborists and firefighters: Tie ropes around trees and other objects.
Figure 8 Follow Through vs. Figure 8 on a Bight
These knots are structurally identical, but their uses are different.
The Figure 8 Follow Through is used to thread the end of rope through something (like a harness) before finishing the knot.
The Figure 8 on a Bight is used when we don’t need to thread the loop, or don’t have access to the ends of a rope.
So, next time you need a reliable knot, remember the Figure 8 Follow Through. It’s the gold standard for a reason!
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