Päätössolmu

Päätössolmu, meaning "final knot" or "finishing knot" in Finnish, is a general term used to describe a knot tied at the end of a rope or cord to prevent it from unraveling or to create a stopper. It is not a specific, uniquely named knot like a bowline or a square knot, but rather a functional category. The purpose of a päätössolmu is to secure the end of a rope for practical reasons.

Common examples of knots that could be considered a päätössolmu include a simple overhand knot tied near the end of a rope. This knot increases the diameter of the rope's end, making it harder to pull through an opening or a grommet. Another example is a figure-eight knot, which is often preferred as a stopper knot due to its ease of untying after being subjected to significant strain, unlike the more jamming overhand knot. In some contexts, more elaborate stopper knots might also be categorized as a päätössolmu if their primary function is to terminate the rope's end securely.

The choice of knot for a päätössolmu depends on the material of the rope, the intended application, and the required strength and ease of untying. For instance, in sailing or climbing, specific stopper knots are chosen for their reliability and safety characteristics. The term emphasizes the knot's role as a final, secure point on the rope, preventing unwanted movement or damage to the rope's structure.