What is the Overhand Knot used for?

Keeping the rope's end from passing through a hole or eyelet (stopper knot); Preventing the rope from fraying at the end; Serving as the base for more complex knots; Creating a quick grip or stopper point on the rope; Marking a reference point on the rope.

How do you tie the Overhand Knot?

The Overhand Knot is the most basic stopper knot, tied in a single end of a rope. It keeps the rope from slipping through a hole, fraying at the tip, or slipping out of place, and it's the foundation many other knots are built from. Follow the illustrated step-by-step, with a photo for every stage, on Desbravai.

Is the Overhand Knot hard to tie?

The Overhand Knot is rated easy, in the Basic Knots category and is taught with a photo at every stage on Desbravai.

What precautions apply when using the Overhand Knot?

Under heavy load it tightens up and becomes very hard to untie; It weakens the rope at the point of the knot — avoid it on life-safety lines; It's not a bend or a loop knot: it only works as a stopper.

Overhand Knot

Q: What other names does the Overhand Knot have?

It is also known as Overhand Knot, Thumb Knot, Nudo simple, Medio nudo, Nó de Remate, Nó Comum, Nœud simple. (ABOK #514)

A basic stopper knot tied in a single end, keeps the rope from passing through a hole or fraying

Also called: Overhand Knot, Thumb Knot, Nudo simple, Medio nudo, Nó de Remate, Nó Comum, Nœud simple · ABOK #514

What it is for

Keeping the rope's end from passing through a hole or eyelet (stopper knot)
Preventing the rope from fraying at the end
Serving as the base for more complex knots
Creating a quick grip or stopper point on the rope
Marking a reference point on the rope