Prussic Knot





The prussic knot is formed from a loop of 6-8 mm static rope tied together with a double fisherman’s knot. The knot is formed around a length of thicker static rope and is used to provide friction to the thicker rope. The prussic loop should always be much thinner than the rope it is been tied around. The use of prussic knots is described in detail in other areas of the text. This section is intended only as an instruction on how to tie it.




The prussic knot is tied by forming a "larks foot" around the main rope and then feeding the prussic loop back through the loop several times. The number of times that the rope is passed through, changes the amount of friction that is produced. Passing the loop through 3 times in generally adequate. Using to many or to few loops will reduce the holding power of the knot











After the knot has been tied it should be tightened up by individually rotating each loop. It is important that the knot is tied, as it will have little holding power if it is loose.