Basic Firefighting Knots

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Firefighters use ropes to secure unstable objects, rescue victims and carry tools. Learn how to tie bowline, Bachmann, figure eight and other basic knots in this free firefighting video series from a fire captain.

There are 27 videos in this series:
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  • 1.
    Firefighting Knots: Attaching Objects to Rope

    Attach objects to ropes with figure eight follow through knots. Learn to tie a fireman's figure eight follow through knot in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 277
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  • 2.
    Firefighting Knots: Bachmann

    Attach smaller ropes to big ropes with the Bachmann knot. Learn to tie a fireman's Bachmann knot in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 314
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  • 3.
    Firefighting Knots: Bowline

    The bowline is a self-tightening knot that can be used for many things. Learn to tie a fireman's bowline knot in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 366
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  • 4.
    Firefighting Knots: Butterfly

    The butterfly knot forms a locking loop in the middle of a rope. Learn to tie a fireman's butterfly knot in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 299
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  • 5.
    Firefighting Knots: Chimney Hitch

    Using an anchor point, secure two objects with a chimney hitch knot. Learn to tie a fireman's chimney hitch knot in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 349
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  • 6.
    Firefighting Knots: Clove Hitch

    A proper clove hitch looks like a pretzel. Learn to tie a fireman's clove hitch knot in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 237
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  • 7.
    Firefighting Knots: Clove Hitch to Object

    The clove hitch is one of the most important knots for firefighters to master. Learn to tie a fireman's clove hitch to an object in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 367
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  • 8.
    Firefighting Knots: Double Figure 8 Loop

    For loops, a long piece of rope is required. Learn to tie a fireman's double figure eight loop in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 275
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  • 9.
    Firefighting Knots: Double Fisherman

    The fisherman knot, also known as grapevine, secures two pieces of rope together. Learn to tie a fireman's double fisherman knot in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 286
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  • 10.
    Firefighting Knots: Double Overhand Stopper

    For a double overhand knot, pass the rope twice through the loops. Learn to tie a fireman's double overhand stopper knot in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 291
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  • 11.
    Firefighting Knots: Figure 8

    Figure eights are best used in combination with other knots. Learn to tie a fireman's figure eight knot in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 233
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  • 12.
    Firefighting Knots: Figure 8 Bite

    A figure eight bite is a common way to attach objects to rope. Learn to tie a fireman's figure eight bite in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 239
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  • 13.
    Firefighting Knots: Figure 8 Follow Through

    The figure eight follow through knot is a great way to join two pieces of rope together. Learn to tie a fireman's figure 8 follow through in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 237
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  • 14.
    Firefighting Knots: Girth Hitch

    The girth hitch is quick way to secure an object. Learn to tie a fireman's girth hitch in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 227
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  • 15.
    Firefighting Knots: Handcuff Knot

    A proper handcuff knot should look like a pretzel. Learn to tie a fireman's handcuff knot in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 251
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  • 16.
    Firefighting Knots: Münter Hitch

    The purpose of a Münter hitch is for objects to slide up and down the rope. Learn to tie a fireman's Münter hitch in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 240
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  • 17.
    Firefighting Knots: One-Way

    The one-way knot has a short tail that stops it from getting tangled. Learn to tie a fireman's one-way knot in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 230
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  • 18.
    Firefighting Knots: Overhand

    The overhand knot stops a rope from becoming loose. Learn to tie a fireman's overhand knot in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 229
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  • 19.
    Firefighting Knots: Prusik

    The Prusik is a fast, secure knot that is used in rescues. Learn to tie a fireman's a Prusik knot in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 233
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  • 20.
    Firefighting Knots: Sheet Bend

    A sheet bend knot is used to join two pieces of rope together. Learn to tie a fireman's sheet bend knot in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 361
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  • 21.
    Firefighting Knots: Square

    A square knot is a quick knot that can be tied two different ways. Learn to tie a fireman's square knot in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 228
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  • 22.
    Firefighting Knots: Tensionless Hitch

    The tensionless hitch is a great way to attach objects without damaging the rope. Learn to tie a fireman's tensionless hitch knot in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 220
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  • 23.
    Firefighting Knots: Trucker's Hitch

    Secure tarpaulins with the trucker's hitch knot. Learn to tie a fireman's trucker's hitch knot in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 314
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  • 24.
    Firefighting Knots: Tying Axes on Rope

    Firefighters commonly hoist tools up a rope. Learn how an axe is tied onto ropes in this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 363
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  • 25.
    Firefighting Knots: Tying Halligan Tool

    A Halligan tool is a fireman's tool used to pry, twist, punch or strike. Learn to tie Halligan tool to a rope this free firefighting video from a fire captain.

    Views: 242
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Views: 7,326 Videos in Series: 27

Tags: basic, tying, knots, firefighters

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Summary: Firefighters use specialized tools such as the Halligan bar and axe to forcibly enter burning buildings and rooms. Other tools such as the latch strap prevent firefighters from getting trapped in burning buildings. Firefighters also use knives to cut seat belts off victims in a passenger vehicle wreck and use a spring-loaded punch to break windows in a passenger window.

One of the most important firefighting tools is rope. A rope can save a victim, carry tools and secure unstable objects. However, a rope itself does no good unless it's attached to something. There are a variety of ways to attach a rope to objects. This is why it is important for firefighters to know how to tie some basic knots. In this free video series, let a fire captain demonstrate how to tie knots. He covers all kinds of knots: overhand, figure eight, Bachmann and fisherman. Also, learn how to fasten objects to ropes. So, take some time, and learn how to tie basic knots today!

About the Expert

Expert: Captain Joe Bruni has over 30-years experience as a street firefighter and company officer. He also completed a great deal of research with other instructors who have co-authored articles with him. Bruni has experience as a department training officer in the Fire and Rescue Safety & Training Division. He receives a great deal of pleasure and gains excitement from watching firefighters put learned skills into practice. Bruni to touch the future of the fire service by passing on his experience, knowledge, and techniques that he has learned over the years. Bruni has written several articles for Fire Engineering Magazine which are available upon request. In today's firefighting world, the amount of actual structure fires has dropped almost 50 percent. Bruni believes training efforts have to be increased at all levels using experienced instructors who can pass on the knowledge. Captain Bruni can be reached at firestop.staylow@verizon.net

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