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How to Tie a Figure Nine Loop
The figure nine creates a bulkier, more secure stopper knot than the figure eight — preferred by big-wall climbers and riggers where a stopper must never accidentally pull through a device.
How to Tie a Figure Nine Loop Step by Step
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Written Instructions — Figure Nine Loop
- Start like a figure eight Make a loop, cross working end over standing part.
- Extra wrap Before threading through the loop, add an extra wrap around the standing part.
- Pass tag end through top loop Thread working end through the top loop from back to front.
- Pull tight Pull both ends to cinch into a compact, barrel-like stopper.
Tips for Tying a Figure Nine Loop
- The figure nine stays accessible after heavy loading better than a figure eight — the extra bulk makes it easier to manipulate.
- Use as a terminal stopper on rappel ropes as an extra safety backup below the figure eight.
- Also tied as a mid-rope loop using the same hand method as the alpine butterfly.
- Harder to inspect than a figure eight — make sure the barrel shape looks symmetric before loading.
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