Rock Climbing Knots: The Overhand Knot

The overhand knot is useful for:
– Joining ropes for abseiling (rappelling)
– Creating a master point in a cordelette or sling

Overhand knot rock climbing

How to Tie the Overhand Knot

Step 1
Clip the sling to both bolts and pull the strands down so they are equal.

Tying an overhand knot rock climbing

Step 2
Pull the bottom of the sling around to form a loop.

how to tie the overhand knot

Step 3
Push the end of the sling through the loop as shown.

how to tie the overhand knot on two bolts

Step 4
Pull the knot tight and clip a screwgate carabiner to the central point.

Tying an overhand knot at a 2-bolt climbing anchor

Joining Three or More Pieces

The same technique can be used to join three or more strands of sling or cord together.

Step 1
Pull each strand down evenly.

how to tie overhand knot with cordelette

Step 2
Pull the bottom of the sling around to form a loop.

how to tie overhand knot at climbing anchor

Step 3
Push the end of the sling through the loop.

tying overhand knot with cordelette

Step 4
Pull the knot tight and clip a screwgate carabiner to the central point. You could also clip into the top shelf to free up space at the central point.

How to tie the overhand knot rock climbing

Joining Ropes for Abseiling

The same knot is commonly used to join ropes for abseiling.

tying overhand knot for rappel

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