What is the purpose of a stopper knot at the end of a rope?

• A. To shorten rope
• B. To decorate rope
• C. To prevent rope from slipping out of a hole or device and to keep the end from fraying
• D. To indicate rope length

Answer: (C)

Stopper knots at the end of a rope create a bulky tip that won’t pass back through holes, pulleys, or other hardware, and they also keep the rope fibers from unraveling. That bulky end acts as a barrier, so the rope stays secured where it’s used and can’t slip out of openings or devices. Keeping the end from fraying also helps extend the rope’s life, which is especially important in climbing, rigging, or rescue contexts. This is why the purpose is about preventing slipping and protecting the rope end, not about shortening the rope, decorating it, or indicating its length.