8 Knots Every Firefighter Must Master, Knot Application

firefighter knots

Firefighter knots

The firefighter knot is a knot with two overhand knots. Developed to tie a rope to a pole or other object. Firefighters use the knot to tie off their ladders and strings, often called the “ladder knot.” Can tie the firefighter knot in the middle of a rope or at one end of a string coiled around an object. In firefighter training, this is necessary to know about these knots.

firefighter knots

The two overhand knots are made in opposite directions. One overhand knot should be on top of the other. The ends of the rope are passed through the overhand loops and pulled tight so they cannot slip out again.

Types of firefighter knots

There are many different types of knots that firefighters use. They all have a specific use in the field, and some may be more appropriate for certain situations than others.

The following is a list of all the knots that firefighters typically use:

  • Clove Hitch
  • Figure 8 Loop
  • Figure 8 on a bight
  • Munter Hitch
  • Stopper Knot (or Overhand Knot)
  • Bowline Knot
  • Water Knot
  • Spanish Bowline Knot

firefighter knots

Clove Hitch Firefighter knots

This is a knot used to tie two ropes together. It is a standard knot for securing a tent guy line to the ground or for tying two ropes together.


Generally, the Clove Hitch has many advantages, including being easy to tie, easy to release, and it does not jam. The only disadvantage of this knot is that it can be difficult to untie after heavy use.

Figure 8 Loop Firefighter knots

The figure 8 loop is a knot used to secure a rope to an object. It is often used in climbing and rescue operations. Basically, A figure 8 loop is formed by two overhand knots, one on top of the other. Finally, the end of the rope is passed through the loops and pulled tight to secure it.

Figure 8 on a bight

This is a knot that can use to tighten or secure a line. Afterwards, this is one of the most common knots used by firefighters, and it has been proven to be very useful in emergencies. So, it is an essential knot for any firefighter to learn how to tie.

Munter Hitch

A Munter hitch is a friction hitch used to attach a rope to an object, such as a pole or post. The name derives from its inventor, Carl Munter.
The Munter hitch is often used in climbing and mountaineering by climbers who need to attach their rope to a fixed point. Although, you can do this by tying the end of the rope around the object, passing the standing part of the rope under itself and over the top of the fixed position, and then repeating this process until there are at least four turns around the object.

Stopper Knot (or Overhand Knot)

A knot is a way of fastening or securing the end of a rope to another rope, object, or structure. The Stopper Knot (or Overhand Knot) is one of the essential knots. You can use it for many purposes, such as tying up parcels, attaching items to a line or pole, and tying two ropes together.


Moreover, The Stopper Knot can be tied in the middle of the line or anywhere along its length. It is important to remember that if you tie it in the middle of the line, it will not slide up and down easily when tight because it will have no slack.

Bowline knot

The bowline knot is a secure, simple, and easy-to-tie knot. It is often used in climbing and sailing because it doesn’t make a jam or slip.
The bowline knot is one of the most useful knots you can learn. It’s easy to tie, doesn’t jam, and is challenging to untie by mistake.
In climbing, the bowline knot is often used to attach oneself to a rope for ascending steep slopes or cliffs. Bowline knots are also used when constructing a fixed loop at the end of a string for use with an adjustable loop such as a monkey’s fist.
In sailing, the bowline knot is used to tie two lines together so they will not come loose from each other under strain. Bowline knots are also used in water rescue operations as well as in cave operations.

Water Knot

A water knot is a knot that is used to tie two ropes together and can also be used to connect one string to an object. It is the simplest of knots and requires only a single turn around the two ropes.
Water knots are often tied to climbing ropes when one end of the string needs to be secured to an object or another rope. They are also used on many pieces of equipment that need to be tied onto a person’s body for an activity such as rock climbing, rappelling, or caving.

Spanish Bowline Knot

The Spanish knot is a type of knot used to tie two lines together. The knot can be connected with the line either passing over or under the other line, and it can bind it either in the bight or by passing one end around the other.

Recommended App for Firefighter to learn Knots

Knots 3D

Knots 3D is the ultimate knot-tying app for fishermen, climbers, boaters and scouters firefighters and Rescuers. It contains over 175 unique knots and new ones added frequently. Knots 3D makes it easy to learn even the most difficult knots within no time. Hence, making knot is now a piece of cake for professionals.

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