What are some of the different knots used in rock climbing?

What are some of the different knots used in rock climbing?

Daniel Wade (Rock Climbing Manager) gives expert video advice on: What is a 'carabiner' and how is it used in rock climbing?; How should I pick my carabiners?; How should I pick my rock climbing shoes? and more...

Really for rock climbing you only need to know 4 or 5 knots, and different deviations of them, and how to use them with different mediums in different situations. I think a lot of books and instructions probably overcomplicate the knots that you actually should be using in rock climbing. The most basic knot is the figure 8, which is used in a follow-through version for tying in. It's also a great way to equalize anchors. You can also use an overhand knot where you'll be equalizing anchors, but an overhand follow-through isn't a great tie-in point. Some argue that you can use a bowline follow-through for a tie-in point, however I don't use it personally. You're going to want to know a Double Fisherman's knot, which allows you to turn a single piece of rope into a sling, which is what you use to build anchors. You're probably also going to want to know some basic knots for rescue situations, like a prusik, which essentially turns a sling of rope into an ascender, or perhaps a Klemheist, which is a version of a prusik knot. Also, there are different knots that you might use that aren't truly knots, they're more like hitches. For example a girth hitch is a great way to attach gear to your harness, one way to construct anchors. I think at the basics it's the figure 8, the double fisherman's, and maybe an overhand.