How to Ascend a Rope Easily With the Prusik Knot - ITS Knot of the Week HD

Today, we're continuing our Knot of the Week HD series with the Prusik Knot.
For more about this knot, check out our article here: bit.ly/1I7fqvZ

[@BrandonCase]

Very light on the “how to ascend” expectation set by the title.

[@brendonhoward431]

I was staring at a series of pictures in a book for a long time, trying to figure out how to make the second set of loops. Watching 10 seconds of this video made complete sense. Thank you! My sanity thanks you as well...

[@1notgilty]

Thanks. This is very useful. Sporting goods stores are now selling this Prusik Knot and rope set-up to hunters as a safety line for their tree stands. The going price is between $25.00 to $30.00. You can tie it yourself for a fraction of that cost and do it in the field if needed.

[@paulus281059]

Just the knot I use to get to the top of the mast of my yacht. And it works really well. Good clear demonstration as well by the way.

[@seanrhone5306]

The only video I've found that actually shows the know to create the loop on the line.

[@giannobong6778]

Most everyone else expects you to know a thing or two about rope climbing basics before you start putting life and limb on the line in an ascent.

[@erenjaegerbomb8653]

It's just connecting two ropes. A sheet bend would do the same.

[@general5104]

Excellent presentation!!! I liked how you used a dark background to accent the clarity of the ropes. And thanks for the commentary. And mainly, thank you for taking time to do an excellent, neat setup and video.

[@NvrGiveIn]

Great video presentation and fantastic explanation of the prusik. Thanks for the post!

[@TheTranq]

It'd be sweet to see a follow up to this applying it to the climb!

[@armorvestrus4119]

You are a great teacher, thanks for sharing this. Most people go through it to fast for beginners.

[@chriswebster24]

*too

[@tetrapro2010]

Your presentation, with size up rope , is excellent.well thought out.

[@tgunnerkills5927]

Best knot demo I’ve seen. Good set up

[@wfldfire]

This is a self belay using a Prusik. Also always tie it with the knot closer to the mainline so you never have to worry about clipping in near the knot

[@stampede963]

David Dinelli yes, he said that in the vid. Good point tho.

[@dwaynestarnes8174]

Love the videos thank you

[@brucegeisert]

Great knot to know. I used this all the time when climbing, on technical climbs, before mechanical devices became available. I've used it in some rescue situations to tie fast loops on a rope.

[@stevejette2329]

Excellent. So often, people think its about the rope work. Its about the videography ! Great lighting, large lines which contrast with backdrop, use of 'point of view', good volume and sound, not too fast or slow, hands not in the line of sight ... Thanks

[@dwarfusinterruptus9314]

but no demonstration on how to ascend

[@smartpig2386]

@@dwarfusinterruptus9314 you use your legs and walk up

[@dwarfusinterruptus9314]

@@smartpig2386 , I think it involves more than just walking.

[@brianfoley4328]

Great video...really well done and a great explanation of how the knot works.

[@theomnipresent1]

Have to say, was hoping to see a climbing demonstration of this one! Great series though.

[@RamandikaPutra]

I like this video! And i inspired to make some video like this on my channel, let's check kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYjEZnmXeKikjKM

[@gallaxy244gaming8]

I think u should tell us how long te ropes are,I have no idea how long of ropes I need

[@JF0913]

Awesome video. Man your an amazing instructor, thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@doctorbea]

Bro, this is GOLD!!!

[@azclaimjumper]

Thank you. I'm ashamed to admit how many times I had to watch this B4 I tied it correctly. Tieing the fisherman's knot is where I had trouble.

[@snowwhite3212]

1:25 is my favorite part of the video. Thanks

[@mikegourde1042]

Prusik knot is the handiest knot to use if you're the average homeowner working on a metal roof. I've used it several times on my 12/12 (45 degree) steel roof.

[@MasterKoala777]

Great info, thanks! So you use the Prusik knot as your rope grab, instead of those metal rope grabs, correct?

[@duggydugg3937]

i used to use the distel knot when I was in the tree service.. very trustworthy for controlled descent... Also not hard to move up when you were ascending

[@deancyrus1]

Thanks for putting the knot in context. Im not a climber so it's nice to hear about what the knots do in the real world

[@tmt5017]

I'm using this tomorrow, thank you!

[@alaskankare]

its also great to use for attaching your tarp to a line. now you can adjust the tightness, but easily undo it.

[@JJiG]

+alaskankare That was my 1st major use of the Prusik, it does this job very well.

[@stampede963]

alaskankare yep, I use it often. Also great on a hammock ridgeline to be able to attach and slide items you need access to.

[@csn583]

You can get through nearly any backpacking situation with just the Prussik and bowline.

[@paulogilvie4762]

How long was your rope that you used for the Prusik Knot?

[@mvblitzyo]

Excellent video on how to tie a dress and set a great knot I use daily..

[@gamingdot4889]

Could you attach this to you harness with a carabiner while holding it to be extra sure you don't fall?

[@USS-SNAKE-ISLAND]

Yes, and I believe that's what he's implying here.

[@maxsmith3894]

How long does the rope need to be for the prusik?

[@visavispacemnc9019]

Still useful. Thank you

[@phiggy2003]

A interesting variation of this to tie the Prusik on itself. Now you have a adjustable loop that you can use on tarps or for boat bumpers. You need to tie the gripping loops on two fingers together first then then work the other end of the loop through the wraps as you remove your fingers..

[@nedergubis2638]

Clear english easy to follow.

[@Billster1955]

Very nicely done video. Clear and concise information.

[@echochambers8418]

James Bond used his shoelaces to make 2 Prusik Knots to ascend up a Rope in “ For Your Eyes Only” 1981.

[@rogerthat2868]

Eyeballs don't weigh much so shoe lace is overkill. 10 lb fishing line would have been fine and still plenty strong to bring his buddies namely nose and ears.

[@yooooodennis]

@@rogerthat2868 😄

[@speechlessangels9475]

Paracord shoe lace

[@Xtreme_Airgun_Slugs]

RIP 007

[@VelhaGuardaTricolor]

best explanation so far!

[@robertrogers2911]

can you use this not going around two ropes. in other words if I had my life line around a limb in the tree and I wanted to come down that rope could I wrap it around both of them

[@NoStyle11]

Really good explanation thank you.

[@BazColne]

Thanks for your time.

[@zrig1]

If you are using a prussick as a conditional belay make sure you know how to transfer your weight back on to your descender if you do take a fall on it. Once weighted you just can't simply reach up and pop it loose. Always carry two prussick loops with you.

[@jordanpeiffer7033]

and a knife

[@ScottWConvid19]

You should do a video of you actually using the knot in the field. :)

[@Shastavalleyoutdoorsman]

Yeah that's what I came for.

[@edi9892]

Yes, I´ve seen a lot about such knots, but never a video on how people actually descend (there are different styles, but I know only little about them)

[@user-gi3xj8nz3s]

Yes have you done a video using this knot. Great 👍 video by the way

[@ScottWConvid19]

@@user-gi3xj8nz3s nope. I made the comment because of the title of the video. 👍🏼

[@RamandikaPutra]

I like this video! And i inspired to make some video like this on my channel, let's check kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYjEZnmXeKikjKM

[@polishpicl]

best and clearest instructional ive seen and I finally learned about this knot from you,, thank you

[@ShawnHighfill]

Could you use the prusik knot with a bigger cord and the ascending line smaller? I’m thinking of using paracord around a pull string for pulling through conduit. A slick sliding handle.

[@chief1redwolf909]

Thank you and God bless

[@DaddyyCrab]

With the dbl fisherman you can offset the knot when wrapping it to the mainline, therefore no adjustments needed, it'll be setup for the carabiner

[@feeish]

I know you say you wouldn't use paracord for a Prusik but it is used and can be used when necessary. I've used a pair of paracord Prusik knots to ascend up a line to do a recuse. It wasn't ideal but it was necessary and safe. The biggest concern isn't the load on the paracord but making sure the ascending rope is secure and won't slip under load as you ascend.

[@johnhoye6584]

Yes, excellent background contrast. a basic element that so many do not consider.

[@rudythecat7320]

Nice, clear video. Thanks!

[@LordAlcomendrasVlogs]

Very Well Presented! understandable to follow and I am learning more.

[@ICU2B4UDO]

I like 4 wraps in a Prusick and off-set the knot onto the static line but a well done video...Thank you!

[@kmillervir]

What are the thicknesses of these two ropes in your example?

[@briandady9030]

Great video thanks for posting!

[@SamFlemingCanada]

does multi-directional braking matter though? it's not like you can fall up a cliff... still a great knot to know

[@calaxlover18]

The prusik cord doesn't need to be "just smaller" it should be 2/3's the size of the rope you will be attaching it to. for example he is using what looks like 11mm rope so he should be using 7mm prusik cord. Which is what he is using. He could go up to 8mm as well.

[@darrelllogan1274]

Good points.

[@jackcrackerman]

Excellent points

[@stampede963]

Taylor Northrup thanks for the specifics! That is easier to remember now. Much appreciated.

[@ambersanborn2067]

This was literally the most confusing part for me.... in srt either I wasn’t paying attention or the teacher never went over size difference between mainline and grab or brake

[@chriswebster24]

Actually, if the prusik cord needs to be 2/3’s the size of the rope it’s attached to, then the prusik cord does, in fact, need to be just smaller than the rope. I just did the math, and it turns out that he was right all along.

[@ronpickett1651]

Xoda 232 we used this slot noise from metal hardware thanks for the video

[@Theeoldmann]

Good video, but my preferred is a 10mm lead, 2) 8 mm prusik loops; each tag ends buttoned up with a stopper knot (top & bottom) on each double fisherman's knot, then place fisherman's pointed to me, rotate loop 2 hand widths (preference left) & make prusik (two on single lead or one on each for double line climb). Prusik climbing can be nice way for upper arm training in low ropes, climbing up & down as a single rep & repeat, attempting to do more every other day (resting arms a day in training is needed too, but that can be a core or leg day).

[@isaabdrahmansosa-dominguez267]

I been using a 7mm prusik cord rated for 2500 lbf in my lanyard to adjust the length with a friction knot I wight 215lbs. I will like to continue using this for the climbing hitch. Do you think that this is good enoug to use it in this system?

[@shespeaks1971]

Good instructions ... I just don’t know what I’d use it for other than what mentioned which I didn’t understand. I am looking for a certain kind of night for a specific project but nobody seems to ever show the output of the how the knot is not used visually

[@HRWWW]

I use this knot as a back up and as just another friction point when climbing

[@paddlingfool64]

Very well presented.

[@gloooopo]

Great video. Slowed it down to 0.5 playback speed and suddenly I've got a young Jack Nicholson teaching me how to attach a pruzik. 👍

[@stampede963]

gloooopo hilarious!

[@jonshiffer8161]

He sounds brain dead to me. Lol .5 is hilarious. Every once in a while he sounds like a hill billy.

[@jrapanut0]

excellent video !

[@scottgephart9749]

Thanks for sharing...kinda looks like a larks head, but tripled.

[@normandinoz]

This is one of my favorite knots also.

[@giannobong6778]

That is the minimum number of wraps you would want for a prusik- more wraps will generally be better. Most climbers like to see 5 pairs of wrap. It’s also incredibly important to note that you DO NOT want to have your double fisherman (or whatever connecting knot) at the point of tension where your carabiner will sit. I know you said that but the first half of the video has the knot at the bottom of the loop which is not good and it’s worth saying again. It’s best to offset the knot from the beginning.

[@neenee8194]

5 pairs of wrap?? It would give to much friction to pull yourself up... Im a professional tree climber and i wrap it two times to reduce friction (i weight 70 kg)

[@meh6953]

Thank you for the informative video.

[@urbantreesteve2805]

Excellent Vid, thank you

[@vancass1326]

i have a need to do this with the same diameter cord & a rap around a (cpvc )tube. the tube i very slippery and rigid surface. what kind of knot (if any) can be made?

[@samuelbrice3699]

So useful thanks!

[@wvelez26]

would you use this knot to milk a rope cover?

[@2primateswalkintoabar61]

Sub earned. Well done.

[@csalazar8426]

Thanks for sharing! great video and really clear steps 👍🏽 I'd really like to see a follow up video on how easy this is to use on a practical application... maybe like climbing back up a well 😅 (asking for a friend who, as a kid, fell in down a bat infested well. He's a billionaire now.)

[@justinorosas9927]

Thank you 👍

[@jordanmyers6741]

how long is the rope you are using?

[@robertbrunston5406]

Thank you.

[@trevorfielding7910]

In a lot of your vids you use the double fisherman's knot to create a loop. Is there a reason why you do this instead of a sqaure knot, or something like a sheet bend knot?

[@stevenladrig9592]

I use the first Shake on my paracord for my Ridgeline when I go camping do the idea that holds my tarp tight and I have no problems and I use Bank line

[@Forlornguild]

In my early days of construction, this was what we tied off with when working up high.

[@JonathanS995]

Im a painter in NZ and spend a good chunk of my time spray painting roof's and still use this knot almost daily lol. Hasn't failed me yet touch wood

[@calebb879]

So...a prusik is just a triple girth hitch?

[@G36Jeff]

What cord is better for this that is not paracord. Suggestions would be great. Thanks

[@joshua3231]

G36Jeff Accessory Cord sold by the foot at an outdoor shop.

[@akmediascope]

excellent!

[@nzscruffy7171]

cool knot, but how is it used to ascend? as that was the entire point of the vid right?

[@lynchstumpco.1616]

Great vid

[@isntimportant]

The original as displayed by Karl Prusik in 1931 was just a modified head knot, but for some reason now everyone uses three loops instead of the original two. I've never found a proper Prusik to slip, is there a reason for three loops instead of two?

[@glenh8179]

Nice video. A good option for tarps too off of a ridgeline. I like to use a shoft shackle knot instead of the fisherman's knot so something can easily be attached within the loop -- not for climbing though.

[@southernknight9983]

For ridgelines, I use paracord. Don't know what the OP's problem with paracord is. I use it all the time and it works great!

[@fishsticks88]

I always used this as a back up wile as a zipline tour guide

[@wvelez26]

Is that knot call the english crossing aswell?

[@paulkafig5788]

Good explanation of the knot, but the title says, "How to Ascend a Rope...". That's not what you covered. You might consider changing the title of your video.

[@ethanjohnson1049]

same here. I was hoping since it was an ITS video then they'd do a demo.

[@petergianakopoulos4926]

KELLI2L2 this is a semantics free thread buddy

[@johnj8330]

Ascending is the same as prusiks, it's just a different way to attach to the rope.

[@rodneygarcia3548]

Yea, we want see action, too much talk

[@cokeforever]

Gila Monster you can easily ascend with one prussik while you walk on ice/rock, by catching your balance, moving the unloaded prussik forward and then walking next step (works real fast on slopes up to 55 deg, its just like using jumar on those); on steeper slopes you use 2 prussiks, usually one to belly, the other is leg-pedal and you move the unloaded one higher while loading the other one - also quite fast and works well - again it's like using two jumars, one of which is belly other is leg-pedal ;-)

[@Bazzawombat]

So why would you by a descender or ascender ? which as you say can damage the rope and this prusok knot is just as good and you can readilly apply if you don't have the "proper" equipment. Great video, thanks.

[@TableTopStudio]

Prusik is more difficult to slide up the rope than a mechanical ascender, so if you have it, the ascender is easier to use.

[@robertbrunston5406]

Thanks.

[@pizzadude6615]

One time I built a log mansion in Yosemite west with a gaggle of rock climbers. And we used this knot to hoist large log like logs. My dad was a member of the international knot tiers guild or whatever you call it. I'm a heavy construction guy so I'd rather trust my life to a piece of extruded aluminium( OSHA approved it). But I can attest that I've seen this knot do crazy stuff with three to four manpowers. Wish I knew more knots but I don't so as the old adage goes tie a lot.

[@leesmith75]

The barrel end should be offset rather than central, or it will interfere with the carabiner.

[@bryangroendal8555]

Thank you very much brother. Good meeting you message me when you want through the comments. Your awesome! I'll brag you up!!!!

[@wemcal]

Great video... at least two I’ve seen two knots formed.. normally I’m in a cherry picker

[@Edinburgh_Bathrooms_Kitchens]

Should you not use a French Prusik to rapel as it can be released under load?

[@joshua3231]

idalgleish87 You shouldn't use any knot to rappel because the heat from the friction will melt the cord. But for a rappel back up or to ascend, you can use the prusik, klemheist, autoblock, blake's hitch, etc.

[@bignedau]

That's very good

[@PaddleDogC5]

Nice thanks

[@jakubjakub188]

I learned such bindings in sailing school and sometimes you had to sweat to gain experience. ❤Hey kids JUST be aware that it's not that easy watching the movie 🥃🍀

[@Teigetje]

Dude! You had me waiting for 3 minutes to see that darn double fisherman's knot not ending up in the carabiner :D (I always pull one side right before tightening the constriction, but hey, nicely done anyway :) About paracord: I would make do if nothing else were around, but agreed, we all know that you don't hang under a parachute with just ONE strand of parachord, right? About the diameter of your prusik: IMHO 6 mm is about ideal. Using larger diameter for a prusik may seem more convenient because it's easier to loosen the constriction, but at the same time the amount of friction gets spread more through the constricting loop when using a larger diameter prusik loop. I think I would still do nicely with a larger diameter loop, because I'm comparatively heavy, but lighter climbers / prusik ascenders ;) might find some dificulties as the laws of physics do not favor them as much in that respect (Sometimes I wish ;) ) Apart from the missing ascending bit (rename the vid?) a great vid explaining the tying and the working of the prusik loop.

[@equusspringsfarm]

also- he said that the greater the variation between the cord and the rope diameter, the more likely it is to slip. Isn't that backwards???? A smaller cord will bite MORE???