I have first looked at other questions/answers here on stopper knots here and tried all of the ones suggested but I am seeking something better. My application is a single line through a hole. I want to be able to tension the line, so the act of tightening the knot does not create slack through the hole. I don't have slack through the hole before tying the knot. It is really not needing to hold any more tension that just pulling the rope taunt. I would also like easy untying. It seems a single overhand is maybe the best I can do thus far. Probably with a loop back (like how you tie your shoes) for even easier untying. This is a photo of it:
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Not sure what you mean by "loop back" but my first thought is to use a slipped overhand knot.– Martin FCommented Jul 14, 2020 at 23:04
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Hi @MartinF - I added some clarification in words and a photo above. I tried the slipped overhand knot, but it is not easy to pull the slack out of it. Just pull the tail to easily untie it.– Kevin BuchsCommented Jul 16, 2020 at 0:35
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2Is this a standard use of the term "stopper knot" in some group, field, or sport? In rock climbing in the US, when we refer to a stopper knot we just mean a knot that's bulky enough so that it can't pass through a belay device.– user2169Commented Jul 16, 2020 at 18:08
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1@BenCrowell I’m of the same opinion (UK). I thought that was what OP was asking for though; putting a line through a hole (in a board or wall or something) and a knot on the end to stop the line coming out again. Unless I’m mistaken.– DarrenCommented Jul 17, 2020 at 10:22
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Rolled back to restore an essential detail.– Willeke ♦Commented Nov 12, 2021 at 9:14
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4 Answers
I'd suggest a "slippery figure of eight" - although i'm not sure if that's the right canonical name for it.
It's my go to knot I use when trying to shorten guy lines on a tent or tarp - i.e. when I have a runner with a hole and can pull some of the line through, tie a stopper knot and then use the shortened guy line.
When taking the tent down, a brief pull of the loose end and the knot is undone despite the tension it was under in use. And as a bonus, this knot can be tied in the middle of a line without needing access to the end of the rope.
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I like this. It is pretty easy to tighten it up, and, of course, easy to untie. I'll go with your name for it too! Thanks. Commented Jul 17, 2020 at 14:23
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@KevinBuchs - How is this any easier to tighten than an overhand knot?– Martin FCommented Jul 17, 2020 at 17:24
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Well it is my conclusion after comparing the two. With the Slippery-8, one can hold down with a loop and pull the knot tighter without letting the tension go on the other end. Commented Jul 18, 2020 at 2:26
How about a peg that fits snugly into the hole with the rope--you pull tension on the rope and capture it with the peg, adding a half-hitch or slippery half hitch to lock it off.
Or an Italian (Munter) Hitch (ABoK #1818) around a peg, locked off with a cleat hitch as needed:
I use this on a through-hole on an old sailing dingy with a missing stay. It won't slip, won't pull through the hole, and will remain easy to untie, even under load.
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1Thanks Dave, that is a great answer and with good pictures.– Willeke ♦Commented Nov 12, 2021 at 16:12
A cow hitch, when pulled tight, can both grip quite well and be slid along to take up the slack. (This one's not pulled tight.)
For quick release, make it slipped.
If it needs to grip more tightly, use a Prusik (ie, a cow hitch with extra turns).
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This won't really fit my application. I'm not trying to tie a hitch/loop. I really need a stopper knot. This knot would not hold if you ran the line on the left margin through a hole and pulled on it. Commented Jul 18, 2020 at 2:32
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@KevinBuchs - "It is really not needing to hold any more tension that just pulling the rope taunt."– Martin FCommented Jul 18, 2020 at 3:55
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Yes, and your knot will not keep the rope taunt. As soon as there is a little vibration it will start to slip. Commented Jul 19, 2020 at 13:22
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This may not do for OP but it is likely to help others with an alike problem.– Willeke ♦Commented Nov 14, 2021 at 9:42
You are looking for the barrel knot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRfjF5TcQbw. This is used by climbers to make sure the rope can't pass through the hole in a belay device.
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Hi Kevin. Welcome to Stack Exchange! Thanks for your answer. I tried it and it seems to be hard to tighten this knot without pulling on both ends of the rope. That wouldn't work for my application, where I want to maintain tension on one end. Commented Jul 25, 2020 at 15:00
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