| Purpose | Backs up knots / blocks rope ends |
| Common form | Double overhand |
| Prevents | Slipping; rappelling off the end |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
A stopper knot is a backup knot tied in the tail of another knot or at the end of a rope to keep the main knot from slipping or the rope from running through a device. Climbers add a stopper to back up a tie-in figure-eight and tie stopper knots in rope ends to avoid the deadly error of rappelling off the end.
Two jobs
Backing up a knot like the tie-in figure-eight, and capping rope ends so they can’t feed through a device.
The rappel rule
Tying stopper knots in both ends before you rappel prevents one of climbing’s most common fatal errors.
Good to know
A double overhand is the usual form. See all climbing knots.
Frequently asked questions
What is a stopper knot for?
It serves two roles: backing up another knot (like the tie-in figure-eight) so it can't work loose, and capping the end of a rope so it can't slip through a belay or rappel device. Both uses guard against the rope or knot coming undone at the worst moment.
Do you need a stopper on a figure-eight tie-in?
A correctly tied figure-eight follow-through is secure without one, but many climbers and gyms still add a stopper. It consumes excess tail, gives an extra visual confirmation the knot is complete, and adds peace of mind at no real cost.
Why tie stopper knots in rope ends for rappelling?
Because rappelling off the unprotected end of a rope is a leading cause of fatal accidents. Tying a stopper knot in each end means the device jams against the knot instead of the rope feeding through, stopping you before you reach the end.
Sources
- Knots and rappelling safety — American Alpine Club