TFTC #64 Arborists Knots & Uses
Sherrilltree Oct 13th 2026Knots are an essential part of an arborist’s toolkit, whether you’re securing rigging lines, connecting rope, or moving through the canopy. Knowing which knot to use for the job makes all the difference in efficiency, handling, and security. This list covers eight commonly used arborist knots, highlighting their practical applications and key considerations to help you understand what each knot is best suited for.
Clove Hitch
Quick hitch used to send tools aloft or to anchor rigging lines to non-rotating objects (add a half hitch or two if anchor point might rotate).
Clove Hitch
Quick hitch used to send tools aloft or to anchor rigging lines to non-rotating objects (add a half hitch or two if anchor point might rotate).
Slip Knot
Used commonly as a jam knot for holding line in position or as a pinch bump for throwline.
Slip Knot
Used commonly as a jam knot for holding line in position or as a pinch bump for throwline.
Double Fishermans Knot
(GRAPEVINE KNOT) Used to connect line ends such as to create a prusik loop for the secured footlock technique. Difficult to nearly impossible to untie following a heavy load.
Double Fishermans Knot
(GRAPEVINE KNOT) Used to connect line ends such as to create a prusik loop for the secured footlock technique. Difficult to nearly impossible to untie following a heavy load.
Scaffold Knot
For securing line to a rigid object like a safety snap or carabiner. Hitch cinches down firmly with load and can be difficult to untie after applying heavy loads.
Scaffold Knot
For securing line to a rigid object like a safety snap or carabiner. Hitch cinches down firmly with load and can be difficult to untie after applying heavy loads.
Running Bowline
In rigging this is often used to connect the target wood to the terminal end of line. The cinching power of the hitch holds wood tight but is easy to tie and untie.
Running Bowline
In rigging this is often used to connect the target wood to the terminal end of line. The cinching power of the hitch holds wood tight but is easy to tie and untie.
Blakes Hitch
This is a friction hitch used to ascend and descend by climbers utilizing the doubled rope technique (DdRT).
Blakes Hitch
This is a friction hitch used to ascend and descend by climbers utilizing the doubled rope technique (DdRT).
Schwabisch Prusik
Friction hitch tied with a line approximately 1/8" smaller in diameter than the climber's support line that is easy to tie and untie, has a firm grip when loaded and releases easily when not loaded.
Schwabisch Prusik
Friction hitch tied with a line approximately 1/8" smaller in diameter than the climber's support line that is easy to tie and untie, has a firm grip when loaded and releases easily when not loaded.
Sheet Bend
For quickly attaching 2 lines (of different or similar diameter) to shuttle their position. Not very stable and not intended for carrying significant weight loads
Sheet Bend
For quickly attaching 2 lines (of different or similar diameter) to shuttle their position. Not very stable and not intended for carrying significant weight loads