Overhand Knot
Also called: simple knot, thumb knot
The simplest knot there is, used to stop a rope end from sliding through a hole or fraying, and the starting point for many other knots.
- Type
- Stopper Knots
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Good for
- Camping, Fishing, Hunting, Hiking
What it is for
- A stopper at the end of a line or cord
- Keeping a rope end from fraying while you work
- The first step in the square knot, surgeon's knot, and many others
How to tie it
- Make a loop in the end of the rope by crossing the working end over the standing part.
- Pass the working end under the standing part and up through the loop.
- Pull both ends to tighten the knot into a small lump.
There are no diagrams on this page yet. Tie it along with the steps using a short piece of cord, and compare your result with a photograph or an instructor before you rely on it.
Tips
- Tie it tight, since a loose overhand slips out of a line easily.
- Leave a few inches of tail so the end does not pull through.
When not to trust it
- It jams tight under heavy load and can be very hard to untie.
- It is a small stopper and can pull through a large hole or a wide eyelet.
- Do not use it as a loop, hitch, or joining knot for anything important.
Often confused with
- Figure-eight knot: a bulkier stopper that is easier to untie after loading.
Field notes
The overhand knot is the building block for a large share of the knots in this guide. If you can tie it neatly, you can learn most of the others faster.
A good habit is to tie it slowly, dress the strands so they lie flat, and then pull it snug.
Related guides
This page explains how to tie an everyday knot. It is not training for climbing, rappelling, tree stand fall protection, or rescue. If a failure could injure someone, learn from a qualified instructor and use equipment rated for the job.