Grip a rope with a prusik knot
A loop of cord that slides along a rope when loose and grabs tight when pulled. It's how climbers ascend a rope.
- Hold a closed loop of thinner cord against the main rope.
- Wrap it around the rope and pass it back through itself, keeping the turns inside the loop.
- Repeat until there are three wraps lying neatly side by side.
- Pull the tail tight. It should grip when loaded and slide when you push the knot.
Tip: More wraps mean more grip. It slips on wet or icy rope. For climbing or rescue, learn it from an instructor first.
Try it now: Tie a hair tie or a loop of string around a broom handle with three wraps. Pull down to grip, push the knot to slide it.
Next crumbs
- 🪢 KnotsJoin two ropes with a double fisherman's bendTwo ends that each wrap around the other and lock together. Climbers use it to join cord into a loop that won't come undone.
- 🪢 KnotsTie a taut-line hitchAn adjustable loop that holds tension. Slide it to tighten a tent line or a load tie-down.
- 🪢 KnotsTie an alpine butterfly loopA strong, fixed loop in the middle of a rope, with no ends needed. Wrap it around your hand and it's done in seconds.