I will explain the top 9 firefighter knots you should master to boost your career. Are you a firefighter novice? Are you looking for a place to learn how to tie a knot? Then, you are in the right place.
The most common firefighter knots are the bowline, the half hitch, and the clove hitch.
- The bowline creates a loop at the end of a rope, which can secure a ladder or a hose.
- The half hitch can tie a rope to a pole or other object.
- The clove hitch can tie a rope to a fire hydrant or other object.
Let’s see each in detail and a few exciting things you’ll need to learn.
What is the Importance of Knot Tying?
Knot tying is essential, as you can use it for various purposes. For example, knots can secure objects together, create loops or handles, or tie someone up. In addition, there are many different types of knots, each with its specific use. Therefore, learning how to tie knots is a valuable skill, as it can come in handy in various situations.
In my opinion, knowing rescue knots are part of the basics only if you want to be a valuable member of the firefighter company.
Nine types of Firefighter Knots
As discussed in the first lines, your firefighter career needs to know the common knots. Remember that your job will be to save lives, so you must master every skill in your toolkit.
1. Clove Hitch
The clove hitch knot is one of the top essential knots to master. In firefighting, we use it to tie a rope to a fire hydrant. This knot is great for crossing but not so much for binding a person or an animal, as it’s not the most secure.
This knot is great when you need to adjust the length of the running end. Thus, when you feed the rope from either direction, the knot will naturally loosen and allow you to change it to a new position.
It’s best to use it on a round post, like a fire hydrant. It becomes somewhat unreliable if the post is square or rectangular.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pass the end of the rope around the pole.
- Continue over the standing end around the pole a second time.
- Thread the end under itself.
- Pull tight to form the clove hitch.
- Loose the knot a little to show that the structure is two Half Hitches.
2. Overhand Knot
The overhand knot is fundamental and is likely the easiest and first knot most people learn to tie.
It is part of the group of stopper knots. It is a simple knot that you can use to tie the end of a rope, cord, or even sewing thread. You can also use it to prevent the end of a rope from unraveling.
One of the advantages of the overhand knot is that you can tie it against another knot or object.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Form a loop.
- Pass the end.
- Insert the end through it.
- Tighten it to form the Overhand Knot.
- When pulled tight, it can function as a simple stopper knot.
3. Double Overhand Stopper Knot
The Double Overhand stopper knot is essential for tying the end of a rope. It’s easy to connect and creates a reliable, moderately large stopper knot.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Form a loop in the rope.
- Pass the end through it.
- Pass the end through the loop again
- Tighten the knot
- Make a secure stopper knot
4. Half hitch knot
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Form a loop around the object.
- Pass the end around the standing back.
- Pass the end through the loop.
- Tighten into a Half Hitch, designed to take a load (Arrow) on the standing end.
5. Bowline Knot
The bowline knot is the most common knot used by firefighters. It creates a loop at the end of a rope, which you can use to secure a ladder or hose. In addition, you can make a reasonably secure loop at the end of a string.
Another use of this type of knot is to fasten a mooring line to a post. The bowline knot, under load, does not slip or bind. A great advantage is that you can untie it quickly with no limitation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Form a small loop leaving enough rope for the desired loop size.
- Pass the end of the rope through the loop.
- As though making an overhand knot.
- Continue around the standing end.
- Get back through the small loop.
6. Figure 8 through the loop (on a Bight)
This knot is perfect for tying a Figure 8 loop to a ring or your harness. However, its most common use is in rescue situations. As a firefighter, having this knot in your repertoire will be essential.
One advantage is that its composition makes it easy to remember, bind, secure, and validate/verify.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by tying a loose Figure 8 knot.
- Pass the tail around the attachment point.
- Follow the original Figure 8 around the entire knot in reverse.
- Exit beside the standing end to complete a two-stranded Figure 8 knot.
7. Figure 8 double loop
Step-by-Step Instructions
- With a long bight in the rope, use two double loops to tie a Figure 8 knot.
- Then pass the end of the original bight under, up, and over the whole knot.
- Pull it tight to lock the two loops.
8. Sheet Bend
Also known as the weaver’s knot, it is perfect when you want to join two ropes of different sizes. In emergencies, you will not always have the same size leather in the fire truck. That is why this knot will be very helpful in high-stress situations.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Form a bight in the thicker rope (blue) and hold it in one hand.
- Pass the thinner rope (red) through the bight and behind the (blue) tail, and standing ends in that order.
- Finally, tuck the smaller rope under itself to finish the knot.
9. Water Knot
The water knot serves to join two ends of a string together. It is a hard knot to untie, especially when wet (hence the name).
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Tie a loose overhand knot at the end of the strap.
- Thread the other strap in the reverse direction, following the exact path of the first overhand knot.
- Pull the knot tight.
Conclusion
Knowing these nine common firefighter knots is an excellent start if you’re looking to boost your firefighter career. Be sure to practice them often to master them and use them in any situation.
I want to thank Animated Knots for the videos and the photos.
