How to make a prusik loop for climbing. 4K 157K views 5 years ago The Prusik Knot is one of 23 essential rope knots included on the waterproof Pro-Knot Outdoor Knot Cards - click to see. Jun 17, 2025 · Learn how to tie a prusik hitch with this detailed step-by-step guide. This is a difficult technique Apr 19, 2012 · This is a neat way of making an extendable safety line that I picked up off a friend of a friend I was climbing with in Yosemite (and who happened to teach rope and kayak rescue for a living). The long cord is used as a foot as a stirrup, and the shorter cord is tied into the harness. Scroll down to see the Animated Prusik Knot. 1549 EpicTV Climbing Daily 291K subscribers 2. While it’s likely that In this video we are quickly going to go over how to tie the prusik knot I also throw in a double fisherman's. Purcell Prusik for a Safety Tether What is a Purcell Prusik? A purcell prusik is a loop of cord tied into an adjustable loop using a prusik on itself. The Prusik Knot grips the main rope tightly under tension but slides easily when not loaded—making it perfect for ascending ropes or creating a backup in climbing systems. You can make it with a piece of short nylon rope that’s tied into a fixed loop with a Double Fisherman’s Knot (or Triple Fisherman’s Knot). Whether used in high-angle rescue, climbing, or rigging operations, the Prusik knot provides a lightweight, adaptable solution for progress capture, backup belay, and other critical applications. Among the different backup knots, the Prusik stands out for being easy to tie yet effective. 46K subscribers Subscribed 173 Nov 4, 2016 · If you are regularly out on the crags, then you need to know how to use prusik loops. Learn all about Prusik Knots from Rock-N-Rescue. How To Climb A Rope Using Prusiks | Climbing Daily Ep. Yes, happened to me after I recently made new prussik loops up. End person attaches a tie-off (hero) loop to the rope with a prusik knot and clips the tie-off loop to the initial anchor carabiner on the runner from ice axe or picket. You can buy a big length of accessory cord lik A Prusik (/ ˈprʌsɪk / PRUSS-ik) is a friction hitch or knot used to attach a loop of cord around a rope, applied in climbing, canyoneering, mountaineering, caving, rope rescue, ziplining, and by arborists. In fact, it’s one of the most popular “slide-and-grip knots Jun 17, 2025 · Loop Formation Creating a Prusik knot is like crafting a secure embrace around your rope—a crucial step in ensuring safety during climbing or rappelling. These simple pieces of kit can literally be a life saver if you keep them on your harness and know how to use them properly. Prusik cord is a lightweight and affordable way to ensure that you live to climb another day. 8mm Endless Prusik Loop, 15" length, 25kN /5600Lbs, made of 100% Technora for increased durability and performance, 16-strands hollow braid offering power grip to main ropes, used to tie friction hitches, including prusik knot, autoblock, Klemheist knot in mountaineering, climbing, canyoneering, caving, rope rescue, tree care by Feb 7, 2017 · The prusik loop connects to the rope by wrapping around the rope and through itself to make a barrel. Use Applied in climbing, canyoneering, mountaineering, caving, rope rescue and by arborists. As well as finally premier my brand new intro. 4 Tie a figure eight in the end of the cord, as if you were tying in to the end of a rope. -page1 Dec 10, 2013 · 1. These pre-sewn loops work great in hauling systems that require a prusik loop to capture a load and the sewn loop is stronger than a tied knot. This creates a natural loop that will serve as the heart of your knot. 5mm (7/16~1/2inch), such as prusik knot, autoblock, and Klemheist knot in mountaineering, climbing, canyoneering, caving, rope rescue, tree care by the arborist, rigging aerial hammock, lifting, and etc. com Apr 14, 2023 · The most affordable way to incorporate a prusik knot into your climbing equipment is to make your own with an accessory cord. Only then will I attach it to my harness for anchoring. 2 -1. Aug 11, 2017 · A prusik hitch is an invaluable tool when rock climbing, traveling across glaciers, climbing ropes, etc. This is one of the most common friction hitches used by climbing arborists Nov 26, 2012 · Applications: Making a rescue loop out of cord, foot/waist prusik, joining two ropes Fig. Demonstration performed by Guy Mott of Oct 9, 2019 · The Technique Although very simple it takes a few goes to get smooth and efficient, you need to get into a rhythm. I review three of the more common options below in a long winded rant but threw in a few photos to keep you going. Learn how to tie the double fishermans or grapevine bend in this tutorial. Used in climbing and rescue, it's strong but hard to untie after loading. It slides when unweighted but locks under load, making it a reliable knot. How to Tie a Prusik Knot Learn how to tie the Prusik Knot — one of the most essential friction hitches used in climbing, mountaineering, rescue operations, camping, and bushcraft. There will then be a “tail” that hangs out of the middle. In this video we will see how to create a loop using a piece of climbing accessory cord. When you remove the weight, you can move the prusik along the rope. Mar 8, 2023 · Context Prusik Loops are tied with 3-wraps (3-on-3) onto the rescue rope to form a progress capture or rope grab in a pulley system for rope rescue. This knot is the knot to use when tying a prusik loop. A prussik knot is one of the easiest and most important knots that you can tie while rappelling. Sep 26, 2022 · Climbing How To: The Humble Prusik - how & why to tie 3 versions + make your Beal Jammy last longer! JB Mountain Skills 32K subscribers Subscribed May 1, 2020 · The term Prusik knot or Autoblock is often used to generalise a number of different friction hitches that we use regularly in climbing. Initial anchor is now ready to accept victims weight (Fig-1). Apr 2, 2012 · You use prusik knots as a safety whilst rappeling right? i would wondering what kind of rope to use to make it? Like static rope, thickness and how long it should be? Jun 19, 2025 · Master the art of tree climbing! Discover tips and learn 5 essential arborist knots for a safe, efficient Prusik rope setup in your next adventure. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn about materials needed, knot tying basics, cutting rope, preparing ends, making loops, and testing tension. For those I tie a loose overhand in the middle of the loop and clip both loops so formed to a krab. g. When you weight the tail, it tightens around the rope. Lucky I had my pack on with a knife in it. HIGH QUALITY:We use high quality 100% polyester material for our static ropes. The Prusik slides easily up and down the rope, but under force it will cinch down, supporting a huge amount of weight. Hanging on belay device to clean gear, the device slipped/creeped and I found the prussik was just an inch too long for me to reach and release. What are prusik loops? Prusiks are short pieces of soft accessory cord of different thickness, tied into loops of varying length using a double fisherman’s or overhand knot. What do you think the size of these should be. The Prusik knot is also useful to back up a rappel or belay. Aug 7, 2014 · What's the best knot for turning a piece of cord into a loop? The cord would then be used for a prusik so needs to be very secure and load bearing. I recommend 6 or 7mm accessory cord, cut to 44" long. Buy or make an friction hitch / autobloc cord. To ascend using a Prusik knot, two loops are used simultaneously. Jan 20, 2022 · The prusik knot is one of the essential outdoor, survival, and climbing knots. using a Prusik to ascend). Anyplace where there is a need for a strong and secure loop that can slide when needed. You don't have to buy a presewn Prusik loop for rock climbing, canyoneering, caving, or other rope adventures. He gave me a spare one to try out, which I later carefully dismantled to learn how it all went together. A double fisherman's knot with very fairly short tails (10 - 20 millimeters) works best to connect the cord ends into a loop. 4; if not extending your rappel, clip it to your leg loop). Get a knot you can rely on with this simple tutorial. Nylon Accessory Cord: Various lengths and diameters Oct 26, 2017 · Learn how to tie a Prusik knot, an important knot used in climbing for ascending ropes and in emergency situations. How strong is a Prusik knot? the bend farthest from the bowline/“anchor” (N=20) broke at an average strength of 13. Purcell Prusik Loop is an adjustable loop suitable for making the components of the Purcell Prusik System and an adjustable tether. Discover the step-by-step guide on how to tie a Prusik knot, its advantages in climbing and emergency situations, and essential for secure tying. In arborist climbing, the **Prusik knot** is used as a friction hitch to ascend or descend ropes safely. There are several advantages to this setup. Too many things around the belay loop bother me. In this episode, I explain how to create your own tree climbing lanyard, whether for industry or recreational level climbing, using only a few purchasable items including: a rope that is a length Knots & Ropework - Storing Prussics. If you would like to know more about it keep reading. About three to five wraps are required depending on the type of cord and rope. Aug 29, 2021 · What is a prusik loop used for? Climbing What is a French Prusik? Like the standard Prusik Knot, the French Prusik Knot is a friction hitch, which works by gripping the rope and providing friction to support a climbers weight. To form the loop effectively, start by taking two turns of your sling or cord around a carabiner or another fixed point. Tips: Prusik loops should be made of a cord that about 60-80% the diameter of your climbing rope. With the other end of the cord, start where the end of the original cord comes out of the knot and retrace the figure-eight all the way through. Applications Assistance in ascending a rope Process capture in hauling/dragging 1 day ago · A prusik in rappelling is a motion-resistant knot designed to tighten up when weighted. 9 kN (3127 lbs), with a standard deviation May 20, 2020 · Prusik knots (also called friction hitches or climbing hitches) are one of the foundations of climbing and work positioning for arborists. Why use A demonstration of how the FRENCH (SIX-COIL) PRUSIK hitch is tied. Jul 2, 2025 · The Double Fisherman’s Knot securely joins two ropes or forms loops. It’s great for ascending, and it’s a staple for crevasse rescue systems because it will grip the rope from The Prusik Knot is a friction hitch used to attach a loop of cord around a rope, commonly applied in climbing, canyoneering, mountaineering, caving, rope rescue, ziplining, and by arborists. If you are planning to use your prusiks frequently, you should consider buying some pre-sewn prusik loops. Making Prusik Loops: Prusik loops may be constructed by joining together the two ends of an accessory cord (5 or 6 mm) using a Double Fisherman’s Bend (or a Triple Fisherman’s Bend). This creates an adjustable tether to be used as a safety tether or anything else you want to use it for. The Prusik knot is easy to tie on the go, so it’s an obvious go-to climbing knot for professional climbers and enthusiasts. Tie a Girth Hitch around the main rope. This post explains what a prusik knot is, prusik uses, how to tie prusik loop knots, material guides & more. Mar 27, 2022 · Lose that leg prusik! Did you learn in Climbing 101 to always carry a leg and a waist prusik loop so you can ascend a rope in a self rescue situation? Truth is, these are rarely needed, especially in rock climbing. A better approach is to be more creative with multi-use gear you're already carrying. Sterling makes a nice pre-assembled friction hitch cord out of heat-resistant Technora / Aramid fiber, but it's easy enough to make your own friction hitch out of 6mm Climbing Tech Tip on How to Escape a Belay A way to use carabiners to build a rappel device Prusik The Prusik (or spelled prussik) is the most basic friction knot used in climbing and mountaineering. Using a foot loop tied with a French Prussik can be advantageous for beginning (and younger) climbers as it is easier to advance the foot loop up the rope. That's long enough to give me the second prusik from my harness to the rope, above the first one, with no chance of the 2 knots touching when the bottom one is pushed up, in normal usage. Firstly, the prusik knot will slip under a large shock Jun 3, 2022 · To make your third hand, girth-hitch your prusik around the rope at least three times and use a locking biner to clip it to your belay loop (fig. I created the following guide to teach everything you have to know to use one. They’re designed to move freely on a line as you climb. The Prusik knot will slip under load, absorbing some energ May 15, 2023 · GM CLIMBING 6. Jan 29, 2022 · The Prusik knot is a type of friction hitch used in rock climbing that creates an easily adjustable cord loop attached to a climbing rope. To start, form a bight in the middle of the paracord and position it perpendicular to the standing line. Descending is also covered so you can get back down when practising. Jan 31, 2014 · A Prusik knot is considered a friction hitch type of knot that is commonly seen and used extensively in the realms of caving, climbing, canyoneering, mountaineering, rope rescue, and by arborists. It grips the climbing rope when weighted and slides Oct 31, 2024 · About this item 8MM PRUSIK LOOP: Made of high strength polyester with a double braided core and sheath construction to ensure durability and reliability for your climbing and outdoor adventures. Whatever you do, make sure to keep hold of the brake rope until you have tied the back-up knots. No Prusiks? Not everyone carries a set of prusik loops on their harness but most Sep 6, 2021 · A Prusik knot is a friction hitch used to grip a rope in climbing, canyoneering, mountaineering, caving, rope rescue, ziplining, and by arborists. You can make a prusik loop with a 5 or 6-mm diameter nylon cord. It stays neatly wrapped in a knot with a locking carabiner on one of my harness gear loops until I need it. It is also good for joining rope for rescue and rock climbing Aug 4, 2019 · GM CLIMBING 12in 6mm pre-sewn prusik loop is made of 6mm accessory cord (both CE and UIAA certified) which features excellent abrasion-resistance, high strength and long lasting performance. See full list on topchooser. Mountaineering expert Laurence Reading shows how to tie a perfect prusik loop in easy to follow steps. A Prusik hitch is bidirectional, so you can move it forward or backward with minimal effort if it’s tied correctly. Feb 9, 2017 · Start with a short prusik loop and tie a prusik hitch around your lanyard. Make sure that the knot in your prusik loop is offset to prevent the carabiner from resting directly on the knot. Three loops allow the climber to pass a knot in the rope, a difficult task without a third loop. Tie by placing a loop near the rope then passing the sewn or tied end around the rope and through the loop. Avoid those accidents and sticky situations when outdoor climbing A Prusik is a friction hitch or knot used to put a loop of cord around a rope. How to climb a rope and solve problems while rock climbing. Climbing how to: What on earth is a Purcell Prusik and how to tie one. How to Make a Prusik Loop for a Prusik Knot oldsam100 171 subscribers Subscribed I was trying to find that perfect length for 3rd hand backup prusik cord, but I found that they should be smaller than my other prusiks. How to Tie a Prusik Knot You will have to make the cord loop with a double fisherman’s knot or a triple fisherman’s knot before starting off with the tying procedure. Prusik Hitch Knot Tying Instructions Make a sling of cordage (no more than 1/2 the diameter of main rope). JB Mountain Skills 32. Prussik use dates back from sailing and boating use up to modern mountaineering. Nov 22, 2021 · What knot is used to make a prusik? A prusik loop is a length of 5 or 6mm cord tied into a loop using a double fisherman’s knot. Uses: The principal use of a Prusik Knot is allowing a rope to be climbed – ascending or “ Prusiking “. Includes key techniques and tests. Top Tips from our guiding team. It grips under load and releases even when loaded. #prusikhitch #safetygear Apr 12, 2012 · You need two ropes to tie this knot: a standing line and a loop. The Prusik Knot (technically it’s a hitch) is the most common friction hitch. Using a prusik knot or friction hitch to hold your ascent and descent on a rope is a common practice in tree climbing. In this clip we show you how to store a prussic loop neatly on your harness, to stop it Oct 22, 2022 · The Prusik is a friction hitch, used often in climbing and rescue scenarios. Nov 12, 2012 · In reply to neuromancer: My top tip would be not to make it so long that you can't reach it. 6K subscribers Subscribe While mostly for emergencies, a prusik cord is an invaluable addition to any climber’s harness. Conclusion The Prusik knot is a simple yet powerful tool that has been used by climbers for decades. Releasing After being put under a great deal of weight, the Prusik can be quite constricted and difficult to untie. What is a May 20, 2012 · This is a simple and easy to follow demonstration on how to tie the Prussik hitch. – The Purcell Prusik System is standard personal protective equipment for many rescue personnel operating in technical Search and Rescue settings. When tied correctly One of the BEST knot's made simple! The Prusik hitch is famous amongst Rock Climbers, High angle Rescue, and Arborists. Support us by purchasing high quality 550 paracord via our Amazon Affiliate lin Mar 28, 2025 · Step-by-step guides for climbing knots: The Trace Eight, Prusik, Clove Hitch, Ring Bend, Double Fisherman's, Girth Hitch, and Figure-Eight On A Bight. You can also use climbing slings and commercially-made Prusik Loops. However, there are a range of options when it comes to prusik material and of course each has its strengths and weaknesses. Purcell Prusik in use. Feb 19, 2005 · The other is 40 cm doubled, or made from approx 95 cm of cord. Jun 3, 2025 · Length: The length of the Prusik loop will depend on your specific needs and the type of climbing you'll be doing. The Prusik is a handy knot to know how to tie and use in emergency situations and rescue operations. The Prusik Hitch is the preferred gripping or friction knot. Jan 24, 2022 · Prusik Knot (or Prusik Hitch) is one underappreciated climbing knot used to attach a loop of thin cord, called “Prusik slings,” to a climbing rope. e. These come in a variety of forms, either without a bulky knot or with the knot sewn together and covered by a plastic sleeve. Low water absorption and high abrasion resistance make this Prusik rope last longer! Apr 15, 2010 · In reply to Gazlynn: Depends how long your loops are. The comparative length of the prusiks is important; the top one need only be the length of the prusik (about 50cm) above you but the lower prusik will be extended with a sling to make the foot loop. It is easy to remember how to tie, is compact, and grips the rope when pulled in either direction. Jun 27, 2019 · AMGA Certified Rock guide Elaina Arenz shares how to tie and when to use Autoblock, Kelmhiest, and Prusik friction hitches. Widen the bight and pass the loop’s knotted end around the standing rope three . This varies, depending on the diameter of the primary rope Jan 2, 2020 · FEATURES:Prusik loops are built for those who are looking for a no-knot solution for prusik minding pulleys. If you want to learn to tie one keep reading more. Discover materials needed and safety tips for secure knots. What are Ascending a rope with prusiks. Though different factors govern the length of the cord including its diameter and the height of the person using it, you can use 1. The rope length for the Prusik Loop should be 3-6 feet (1-2 meters). But it also has some INCREDIBLE uses The Prusik Knot is a versatile way of attaching a loop of cordage to a larger rope. Aug 23, 2023 · To tie a Prusik Knot, you first need to make a Prusik Loop. Uses: The Purcell Prusik System is utilized for a wide range of applications including: adjustable attendant Oct 15, 2021 · Rock climbers often use the Purcell Prusik loop, a popular friction hitch, as a personal anchor system to belay or rappel. 5 m length of a 5 mm cord on most of the thicker varieties of ropes. Jun 17, 2025 · Learn step-by-step how to tie a prusik loop for safety and efficiency in climbing. Today we go over how to make your own Prusik Cords for cheap!This video Contains:How to make your own Prusik CordsHomemade Prusik CordsMake Prusik Cords for Dec 3, 2024 · Prusik Knots in Rope Systems The Prusik knot is a cornerstone of technical rope systems, widely regarded for its versatility and reliability. End person slides prusik knot down rope towards victim to remove slack in the tie-off loop and runner. Clip the prusik back to the master point on your harness (you can avoid using a carabiner by retying the prusik loop directly to your harness as seen in the image below). 🧗♂️ Jan 9, 2025 · Making your own has the added bonus of allowing you to get involved in the perennial religious wars on best diameter cord to use, best length, correct number of loops on the fisherman's knot, how to coil and rack a prusik, dedicated krab or not, best prusik knot to use, spelling of "prusik", proper climbers just use rock shoe laces, etc etc etc. Using a simple prusik hitch, climbers can safely protect themselves from various dangers using the prusik cord while rappelling, without causing costly damage to your rope. The term Prusik is a name for both the loops of cord used to tie the hitch and the hitch itself, and the verb is "to prusik" or "prusiking" (i. [1][2][3] More Jul 10, 2025 · The Prusik Knot (ABoK #1763) is a friction hitch used for climbing and rappelling. In this video, CMC shows how to tie a Prusik Hitch. May 15, 2025 · The Autoblock knot, also called French Prusik knot, is a friction hitch used as a backup when rappelling. 4. A Prusik loop consists of a length of cord formed into a loop by tying the ends together with a grapevine knot. Our Mission: To provide an informative resource for arborists, focused on tree climbing techniques, safe work practices, and staying updated with evolving industry trends. This tutorial shows you how to use a prusik sling to tie a prusik knot. Learning the pros and cons of this hitch can help climbers understand the best situations to utilize it in. D. I only have loops just long enough to form the prusik knot and no longer. A climber will often attach a carabiner to a prusik. This will ensure proper grip. A prusik loop is lightweight, and has many uses, including creating friction hitches to Jun 17, 2025 · Making a prusik loop knot is essential for safe climbing and rescues. Check out my channel for more hitch how-to videos and much, much more about climbing, gear, Prusiking made simple - a how-to video from qualified instructors. It functions as a secondary safety measure and rappelling back up. E. The Purcell-Prusik can be used as a personal anchor tether or in emergency situations an ascender. during rescue situations). The loop is attached to the doubled climbing line with a friction hitch (here a three-wrap, six-coil Klemheist). | Prusik, knot, climbing equipment If you are abseiling without a prusik and dangling in space, you can wrap the rope around your leg at least three times, tie a prusik, release the rope from around your leg, weight the prusik and then tie the back-up knots. The concept is simple: the prusik knot is tied around a climbing rope, called the host rope or main line, and when it is loaded it tightens down and grabs the main line. A thinner line will lock hard, and a wider line will not lock at all. In this episode, I’ll go over the Purcell prusik and it’s proper use, as well as how it functions and how it is especially beneficial for use with a hand ascender device; a toothed cam with a Master how to tie Prusik knot with our step-by-step guide! Ensure safety in climbing and outdoor adventures today. Tying them to your rope and attaching them to your harness will catch you in the event that you fall while rappelling. Here are the tying steps and tips. Next, tie your foot Prusik Knot below the harness Prussik using your longer cordelette, leaving it low enough that you can get your foot in the loop. We’re using an 8 mm climbing rope and a three-foot piece of 550 paracord. Watch our introduction to prusiks video first for some ke Jun 20, 2012 · THE ADVANTAGES OF USING A PURCELL PRUSIK and how to make one I began using a Purcell Prusik last fall, and have been using it most days now for random anchoring. It can be used for self-belay and for progress capture (e. For most applications, a Prusik loop that is between 6 and 12 feet long will be sufficient. If you are using knots, tie a Prusik Knot on the rope with the shorter cordelette and clip it to your harness or personal anchor with a locking carabiner. Nov 22, 2021 · How many loops are in a prusik knot? Prusiks can be tied using other climbing equipment, such as slings already carried by the climber. With the French Prusik too many wraps around the main line will bind the knot and not allow it to function. In this guide, we explore the Prusik knot’s role in rope Apr 2, 2016 · 8mm Prusik Loop - 24kN GM CLIMBING 8mm Prusik Loop is used to tie friction hitches on the standing line of 11~12. Jan 29, 2021 · How to tie Prusik's / How to make & tie The Peak Climbing School 1. The standing line must be at least twice the diameter of your loop. yydfvsw zaozm iinju dvgefy ehaptue mopw htyk rnp jwjtgl qvjwd