Hitches
Prusik Knot
Prusik hitch
DIFFICULTY ●●●○○
A loop of thin cord wrapped around a thicker rope three times through itself. Loaded, it locks onto the rope; unloaded, it slides freely by hand.
See it tied step-by-step ↗Why it earns its place
The original friction hitch: climbers ascend fixed ropes with a pair of them, and riggers use them as movable, grab-anywhere attachment points and backups.
Where it fails
Only works when the cord is meaningfully thinner than the rope, and it can glaze or slip if shock-loaded or wet. Dress the wraps neatly — a sloppy prusik is a slippery one.
Quick facts
| Type | Sliding friction hitch |
| Under load | Locks solid |
| Untying | Slides when slack |
| Best for | Ascending, movable attachments |