Which knot is commonly used as a stopper on a single rope?

• A. Reef knot.
• B. Square knot.
• C. Figure-eight knot.
• D. Sheet bend.

Answer: (C)

When you want to stop the end of a rope from slipping through a hole or device, you need a knot that creates a larger, hard-to-pass head while still being easy to untie after loading. The figure-eight knot tied at the end of a single rope does this perfectly: it forms a secure stopper that resists being pulled back through openings and can be unraveled relatively easily after use. The reef knot (square knot) is meant for joining two ends together and can slip or capsize under uneven tension, making it unreliable as a stopper. The sheet bend is for joining two ropes, not for stopping the end of a single rope. So, the figure-eight knot is the best choice for a stopper on a single rope.