The Strength and Durability of the Figure Eight Follow-Through Knot

The figure eight follow-through has become the standard tie-in knot because it doesn’t require a backup knot, it’s easy to tie, and it’s strong—it retains 75 to 80% of the rope’s strength.

Jul 25, 2022 But why is this knot so strong? In this article, we’ll discuss the history, anatomy, advantages, disadvantages, and strength and durability of this classic sailing knot to answer this question and more.

History of the Figure Eight Knot

The figure eight knot has been around for centuries, making an appearance in ancient Chinese manuscripts dating back to 800 BC as well as in Egyptian paintings from 2000 BC. It may even be older than that.

From its earliest days, sailors have used this knot for a variety of purposes, such as tying off sails or lines during storms or tying off mooring lines when docking a boat. It is one of the most commonly used sailing knots today because it is so reliable and versatile—it can be used for many different types of applications on both small and large vessels alike.

Anatomy of the Figure Eight Knot

The figure eight knot is composed of two simple loops that overlap each other to form an eight shape when tied correctly (hence its name).

The larger loop forms a single line that goes around an object twice before ending at its beginning point, this creates a secure hold on whatever object it is tied around (such as a rope).

The smaller loop creates a single line that goes around itself once and cinches tight when pulled, this helps keep whatever object it is tied around secure by creating extra tension on both sides (i.e., top and bottom).

Advantages of the Figure Eight Knot

One major advantage to using a figure eight knot instead of other knots is its ease-of-use—it can be tied quickly with just one hand if necessary which makes it ideal for emergencies or tight situations where time is critical (such as during storms).

Additionally, its simple structure allows it to remain relatively secure even when exposed to extreme tension or tugging forces, this makes it perfect for applications where constant pressure needs to be maintained (such as with mooring lines). Finally, its versatility makes it useful for both short-term applications such as tying off sails or lines during storms or long-term applications such as securing mooring lines on larger vessels—it can do both with ease!

Disadvantages Of The Figure Eight Knot

Although there are several advantages to using a figure eight knot over other knots, there are also some disadvantages that should be taken into consideration before using it for any application.

For example, since it creates two overlapping loops instead of just one continuous loop like other knots do, there is a greater chance for error when tying it—if one loop isn’t properly secured then neither will be which could lead to an unsafe situation down the line (literally!).

Additionally, since this knot requires both hands to tie properly (or at least two fingers), some may find it difficult or time consuming depending on their level of experience with sailing knots in general, if speed or efficiency are important factors then another option may be better suited for your needs instead.

How To Tie A Figure Eight Knot

Tying a figure eight knot requires only two steps: First, take one end of your rope and create an “8” shape by wrapping it around itself twice, make sure you wrap tightly so there aren’t any gaps between turns when you pull tight later on!

Second, take your other end and wrap it across both loops created by your first end before pulling tight—this will cinch everything together securely once you’re done! Be sure not to pull too tightly as this could cause damage to your rope or create an unsafe situation depending on what you’re tying off! And that’s all there is to know about how to tie a figure eight knot!

Benefits Of The Figure Eight Knot In Sailing

One major benefit for sailors who use figure eight knots is their versatility—they can be used in almost any situation imaginable due to their simple construction and high strength rating (75-80%).

This means they can be used on mooring lines while docking boats at marinas without fear they will fail under pressure or break due to constant movement from waves or wind shifts while out at sea. They also come in handy during storms due to their ability to quickly tie off loose sails without needing any additional backup knots—this makes them ideal for emergency situations!

Finally, they can also be used in conjunction with other sailing knots such as cleats or halyards in order create secure connections between multiple objects—this makes them incredibly useful for sailors who need secure connections but don’t have much time or experience tying complicated knots!

Applications Of The Figure Eight Follow Through In Other Fields

Although most people think about sailing when they hear about figure eight follow throughs, these versatile knots have many applications outside water sports too! For example, they are often used by climbers when connecting their harnesses and ropes together securely, since these activities require reliable connections at all times but don’t often have much room for error due to environmental conditions like wind shifts or temperature changes—the figure eight follow through provides just enough security without sacrificing speed or efficiency while climbing up mountainside cliffs! They are also commonly found in industrial settings due to their durability under pressure—they are often seen connecting pipes together securely without needing any additional support which makes them ideal for high flow systems where failure could have disastrous consequences! Finally, they are also popular among campers who need quick but reliable connections between tents and trees while setting up campgrounds, since these activities usually require time constraints but still need reliable connections at all times—the figure eight follow through fits perfectly into these types of scenarios too!

Strength And Durability Of The Figure Eight Follow Through

As mentioned earlier in this article—the figure eight follow through retains 75-80% percent of rope strength after being tied correctly which makes them incredibly strong compared against other knots typically found in sailing scenarios such as cleats or halyards, however even though they retain such high amounts strength after being tied correctly there are still several key points that must be taken into account before using one: firstly make sure you pull each loop tight after creating them so there isn’t any slack between turns which could weaken overall strength significantly, secondly ensure that each turn wraps tightly around itself without leaving gaps which could cause failure under pressure, finally make sure you cinch everything together properly so nothing can slip out once secured! If all these points are kept in mind then rest assured you will have a secure connection every time regardless if you’re out at sea facing storms or simply camping out at night under clear skies!

Common Misconceptions About The Figure Eight Follow Through

Despite its impressive strength rating many people make common mistakes when tying off figure eights due either inexperience with sailing knots in general or simply not taking enough time when tying them properly, some common mistakes include not pulling loops tight enough after creating them which weakens overall strength significantly relative what was mentioned earlier in this article (75-80%).

Additionally some people believe they don’t need backups if using these knots due their security however backups are still recommended no matter what type of knot you’re using just incase something goes wrong down line – better safe than sorry right? Finally some people think these type ropes don’t require maintenance however like anything else made up rope fibers – they do need upkeep every once awhile especially if you’re dealing with rough weather conditions regularly – so check your ties every now and again just incase anything has come loose over time!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the figure eight follow-through has become an essential tool among sailors because not only does it provide reliable security but also does so quickly and efficiently thanks its simple construction —two overlapping loops cinched together tightly create an incredibly strong yet versatile connection perfect for almost any scenario imaginable from emergency storm management all way up larger sailboat moorings! And finally don’t forget backups nor maintenance —play safe always regardless if you’re dealing with winds gusts pushing 70 mph out sea during stormy weather conditions otherwise might regret later on down line if something were go wrong unexpectedly !