STOPPER (KNOT)

The term 'stopper knot' (or simply 'stopper') has three distinct meanings in the context of knotting and cordage.

Contents

At the end of a line

Around the standing part

Nautical usage

Procedure for tying a stopper knot

See also

References

At the end of a line

A stopper knot is tied at the end of a rope to prevent the end from unraveling, slipping through another knot, or passing back through a hole, block, or belay/rappel device. Knots commonly used for this purpose are:

★ Overhand knot

★ Double overhand knot

★ Figure-of-eight knot

★ Stevedore knot

★ Ashley's stopper knot

Around the standing part

When a stopper knot is tied outside another knot and around the standing part it can also be called a 'backup knot'. Tying the end around the standing part helps prevent the knot from unraveling by not allowing the end to slide back into the knot. Examples of this usage are often seen in climbing, rope rescue, and other safety-of-life situations. The most common knots used for this purpose are:

★ Overhand knot

★ Double overhand knot / Strangle knot

Nautical usage

Tying knots is one vital skill. There are many kinds of knots that are used in a variety of situations such as tying up a line to a piling or post, joining two lines, and securing a rope to a cleat.^[1]
Knots play a big role in sailing and are useful in many tasks while on board. Moreover, in nautical settings a stopper may refer to a length of rope that is belayed on one end with the other end attached to a tensioned line with a friction hitch to prevent the tensioned line from slipping under load. For example if a sheet becomes jammed on a winch while under sail, a "stopper" can be used to temporarily take the strain off the winch while the riding turn is cleared.
Stopper knots are one of the easiest knots to do. Generally, this type of knot keeps the line from slipping out of things. The knots commonly used for this are:

★ Rolling hitch

★ Other similar friction hitches

Procedure for tying a stopper knot

#Make a crossing turn. The working end should be on top and the standing part should be under it.
#Take the Working end on top of the knot and pass it through the middle of the Crossing turn you made earlier.
#Pull it tightly.

See also

★ Knot

★ Reef Knot

References

1. Sailing Knots