How to: Figure 8 in Rappelling
- 1). Hold the rappelling rope 1 1/2 to 2 feet from the free end. Form a loop 10 to 12 inches from the end by turning the free end back toward the main rope. This loop will be referred to as the working loop.
- 2). Hold the rope so that the loop extends in front of you. Guide the free end under the main length of rope to your left. Pull the free end straight up along the left side of the main rope length.
- 3). Pull the free end across the top of the rope from the left to right side and turn the free end down along the right side.
- 4). Turn the free end forward and guide it under and then up through the working loop. Do not pull the figure 8 knot tight at this point; the figure 8 is commonly used to connect two lengths of rappelling rope together and the knot must remain loosely tied to accomplish this.
- 5). Feed the free end of the second rope through the figure 8 you just tied. Begin with the free ends of both rappelling ropes facing each other and weave the free end of the second rope through the knot and out. Adjust the knot as you go leaving several inches of both free ends extending from both sides of the knot.
