KNOT KNOWLEDGE

HITCHES

[Clove Hitch]

[Constrictor Hitch]

[Anchor Bend]

[Bunt Line Hitch]

[Highwayman's Hitch]

[Return to Index]

Clove Hitch

The clove hitch is a quick and easy knot to tie especially when you can pop it over the end of what you're tying on to. It's easy to untie even after a load has been applied.

Step #1
Make two loops, twisted in opposite directions.

Step #2
Place the left loop under the left part of the right loop, to form a hole.

Step #3
Pop the hole over the end of the object you're tying on to (in this case a barely-visible dowel rod).

Finished Clove Hitch - Front View
Dress and set the knot.

Finished Clove Hitch - Rear View
Dress and set the knot

[Top of Page]

Constrictor Hitch

Use the Constrictor Hitch when you need to clamp a rope tightly around an object. It has a vice-like grip and is very hard to untie unless you slip the knot.

Step #1
Place the end around and behind the item you're tying the rope to.

Step #2
Wrap the end around to the other side of the object, crossing the standing part.

Step #3
Continue wrapping the end around the dowel so the end is parallel with the standing part.

Step #4
Bring the end over the standing part and tuck it under and between the two loops.

Finished Constrictor Hitch
Dress and set the knot.

Slipped Constrictor Hitch
Since this knot cinches up so tightly, if you plan to untie it, stick a bight of rope through instead of the end. Yank on the end to disengage the knot from the object.

[Top of Page]

Anchor Bend

The Anchor Bend can be used to attach a rope to a carabiner or ring. The following shows two turns, and three or more can be used.

Step #1
Bring the end behind and then through the carabiner.

Step #2
Loop the rope once around the carabiner.

Step #3
Bring the end behind the standing part.

Step #4
Bring the end through the two loops.

Finished Anchor Bend
Dress and set the knot.

[Top of Page]

Bunt Line Hitch

The Bunt Line Hitch is also a good attachment knot for a carabiner or a ring.

Step #1
Bring the end in front and then through the carabiner.

Step #2
Pull the end over and across the standing part.

Step #3
Bring the end behind the loop.

Step #4
Pull the end around the front of the loop, or below it, as pictured.

Step #5
Insert the end through the loop.

Finished Buntline Hitch - Front View
Dress and set the knot, bringing the standing part snug against the carabiner.

Finished Buntline Hitch - Rear View
Dress and set the knot, bringing the standing part snug against the carabiner.

[Top of Page]

Highwayman's Hitch

The Highwayman's Hitch is ideal for tying a rope to an object when you need a quick release. Just yank on the end that is not supporting the load to untie and completely remove the rope from the object it was made fast to.

Step #1
Pull a bight under the object you are tying on to. The left side is the standing part and the right side is the end. The standing part is connected to the load.

Step #2
Form a bight in the standing part.

Step #3
Pull the bight over the object and through the original bight.

Step #4
Make a bight in the end.

Step #5
Insert it through the previous bight.

Step #6
Pull the standing part to dress the knot. Then set the knot by pulling on all parts. The end is yanked abruptly to disengage the knot.

[Top of Page]

Return to Index