Knot of the Week: Bachmann Knot

The Knot of the Week climbing mini-series ends this week with the Bachmann Knot. Yes, another relative of the  Prusik Knot.

Our reason for reviewing so many similar knots is to illustrate the different applications they all have, and Prusik Knots are extremely important in climbing.

Like the standard Prusik,  the Bachmann Knot is a friction hitch, which works by gripping the rope and providing friction to support a climbers weight. The Bachmann’s main characteristic that visually separates it from Prusik Knots, is the use of a Carabiner.

It’s advisable to use a locking carabiner for the Bachmann, considering you’ll be grabbing it to move the hitch. Using the carabiner will allow the Bachmann to move much easier than it’s relatives, especially when wearing gloves.

Much like the Klemheist Knot, the Bachmann only works when pulled in one direction and should always be downloaded (weight pulling downward on the knot).  Never shock load a Bachmann or any form of Prusik knots for that matter, they could slip and burn right through to the core damaging your main line or even completely failing.

Make sure to not wrap the Double Fisherman’s Knot section of your loop in the wrapping, which can decrease the knot’s effectiveness.

Bachmann Knot » Hitches

(Strength: 4/Security: 4/Stability: 4/Difficulty: 3)

Please refer to our  Knot of the Week introduction post for a description of what these ratings mean.

The greater difference between the cord diameter being used for the Klemheist and the main line, the better it will hold. Smaller diameter cord should be check for safe working load, and can also jam under load.

Uses:

• A backup for hoisting a casualty with a pulley system
• Ascending a rope in emergency situations

Tying Instructions:

1. Begin with a closed loop sling tied with a  Double Fisherman’s Knot
2. Clip the loop sling into a carabiner and lock the carabiner
3. Wrap the knotted end around the main line starting from the top to the bottom
4. Continue to wrap the knotted end around the main line a total of four to five times
5. Use the remaining loop to clip into the Bachmann Knot
6. *Observe the final picture below which shows the Double Fisherman’s is not in the path of the load*

View the gallery below and follow along with the steps above!

[flickrset id=”72157620563248970″ thumbnail=”square” overlay=”true” size=”medium”]

Check back next week as we continue our regular Knot of the Week series with the Tarantula Hitch created by our reader MrMax!