What knot should be tied at the end of a rappel rope?

• A. Figure 8
• B. Figure 9
• C. Overhand knot
• D. Square knot

Answer: (A)

When you rappel, you need a stopper knot at the rope’s end to prevent the rope from sliding back through your device or off the anchor. The figure-eight knot is best because it creates a strong, clear stopper that stays secure under load and is easy to untie after the descent. Its shape is easy to inspect visually, so you can confirm it’s correctly tied, and it doesn’t tend to jam as badly as some other knots when weight is on it.

An overhand knot can jam tight under load, making it hard to untie later, while a square knot isn’t a reliable stopper in rope work because it can capsize or slip under tension. The figure-nine is possible but less commonly used for this purpose due to its more complex tie and inspection, so the figure-eight remains the standard choice for tagging the end of a rappel rope.