Stopper knot
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A stopper knot creates a thicker point in a rope to preventing unreeving. This stops the rope from slipping out of a device like a pulley or the eye of a bag.
The single-strand stopper knot is...[one variety] of knob knots. Generally it is tied as a terminal knot in the end of a rope, where it forms a knob or bunch, the general purpose of which is to prevent unreeving. It is found in the ends of running rigging. It secures the end of a sewing thread; it provides a handhold or a foothold in bell ropes and footropes. It adds weight to the end of a heaving line, and it is often employed decoratively, but it should not be used to prevent unlaying and fraying except in small cord, twine, and the like, as a whipping is in every way preferable for large and valuable material.|The Ashley Book of Knots
Uses
At the end of a rope
A stopper knot is tied at the end of a rope to
- prevent the end from unravelling.
- prevent the end from slipping through another knot, or passing back through a hole, block, or belay/rappel device. It then functions like a leash handle.
Knots commonly used for this purpose are:
- Overhand knot
- Figure of eight knot (preferred)
- Stevedore knot
The Chinese button knot and the Celtic button knot are decorative stopper knots.
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 failure of the knot. Examples of this usage are often seen in climbing, rope rescue, and other safety-of-life situations.
Common knots used for this purpose are: