Ropes and Knots

Working knowledge and skills with ropes and knots is essential to the fire service. Knots are used in rescues and in everyday tasks. There are varying types of ropes and knots that serve different purposes. Common knots used in the fire service are:

• Safety knot or Overhand

• Half hitch

• Clove hitch

• Square knot

• Becketbend

• Bowline

• HalfSheepShank or Truckers Hitch

• Figure eight

• Figure eight on a bight

• Figure eight bend

• Figure eight with a follow-through

• In line figure eight or directional eight

• Handcuffknot

These knots and their application will be covered over the course of the year. For now, use online resources and see how these knots are tied in different ways. Click on the images below and you'll be directed to two different sites.