Used to tie rope around an object and back to itself.
VIDEO
Half Hitch Knot Details
Found in: Arborist, Basics, Scouting
Uses: Ashley described the Half Hitch Knot (ABOK # 50, p 14) as “one end of a rope going around an object and securing to its own standing part with a Single Hitch.”
Comparison: The animation shows the close similarity between:
- The Overhand Knot – tied at the end of a rope.
- The Half Hitch – attaches a rope to something, e.g., a hitching post.
- The Half Knot – a binding knot – is the first part of a Square (Reef) Knot.
Tying it: The animation shows how the Half Hitch Knot can flip from an overhand knot to its usual Half Hitch form. In this animation, the second Half Hitch shows how to tie it. You wrap it around the standing end and tuck it under itself.
Two Half Hitches: The first Half Hitch Knot is usually followed by a second knot or more. It is customary to pass the rope the same way around to make both Half Hitches. This creates a Clove Hitch around the standing end. Reversing the second Half Hitch creates a Cow Hitch around the standing end.
Recommendations: While two Half Hitches form a complete “Hitch,” it is best to wrap the rope around the post or bollard again. This creates a Round Turn and Two Half Hitches. This is more secure and provides easier control of the load while tying the Half Hitches.
(Reference source: animatedknots.com)
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