What is the Klemheist Knot used for?

Ascend or descend a fixed rope while climbing or mountaineering; Provide progress capture in hauling and rescue systems; Replace the Prusik when only flat webbing is on hand; Attach a haul line to a main rope; Rig improvised ascenders in a vertical emergency.

How do you tie the Klemheist Knot?

The Klemheist Knot is a unidirectional friction hitch that locks under load and slides freely when eased, letting you ascend or descend a fixed rope. Its big advantage is that it works with either cord or flat webbing, making it popular in climbing and rescue when round cord isn't on hand. Follow the illustrated step-by-step, with a photo for every stage, on Desbravai.

Is the Klemheist Knot hard to tie?

The Klemheist Knot is rated medium, in the Hitches category and is taught with a photo at every stage on Desbravai.

What precautions apply when using the Klemheist Knot?

It's unidirectional: it only holds in the correct direction; rig it with the load pulling downward; Always use cord or webbing with a compatible strength and diameter; Test the lock near the ground before trusting it with your weight; Too few wraps or incompatible rope can let it slip.

Klemheist Knot

Q: What other names does the Klemheist Knot have?

It is also known as Klemheist Knot, French Machard Knot, Machard Knot, Nudo Klemheist, Nudo Machard, Nó Klemheist com fita, Machard, Klemheist.

Unidirectional friction hitch for ascending or descending a fixed rope, works with webbing or cord

Also called: Klemheist Knot, French Machard Knot, Machard Knot, Nudo Klemheist, Nudo Machard, Nó Klemheist com fita, Machard, Klemheist

What it is for

Ascend or descend a fixed rope while climbing or mountaineering
Provide progress capture in hauling and rescue systems
Replace the Prusik when only flat webbing is on hand
Attach a haul line to a main rope
Rig improvised ascenders in a vertical emergency