The Buntline Hitch is an ancient knot that goes back to the age of sail where it was used to secure buntlines to sails.
It’s a compact, strong, and secure hitch that tightens up with the application of dynamic loads.
But, it can jam when subjected to heavy loads.
Now, let’s check this hitch in detail.
THE BUNTLINE HITCH DETAILS
Type: Hitch
Other Names: Inside Clove Hitch
ABoK Reference: #55, #1229, #1711, #1847, #1918
How to Tie the Buntline Hitch
The Buntline Hitch is a Clove Hitch tied around the standing end with the turns moving towards the object.
If you look at the structure it looks similar to the Two Half Hitches except the final Half Hitch is on the inside of the knot and closest to the object.
Here’s how to tie this knot:
- Pass the rope around the object and go around the standing end
- Make the 8 shape
- Pass it through the loop
- Form a half hitch to complete the knot.
To untie, first, wiggle the knot to loosen it. Then, reverse the process by pushing the tail back through the loop and spilling the Clove Hitch apart.
Quick TIP
The Buntline Hitch is already a very secure knot, but if you want to make it even more secure, add a round turn around the object (ABoK #1838).
Other Variations
Slipped Buntline Hitch
The Buntline Hitch tends to jam, especially under heavy loads. To solve this problem, tie the slipped form of this hitch.
It is tied by passing the bight through on the last step instead of the bitter end.
To release the hitch, simply pull the bitter end on the withdraw loop.
Two Half Hitches
The Buntline Hitch is basically a Reversed Two Half Hitches. The final half hitch is tied on the inside of the knot and is closest to the object.
The Two Half Hitches is less secure, but it tends to jam less than the Buntline Hitch.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong and secure
- Reliable and compact
- Performs well in slippery modern synthetic lines except for materials like Dyneema Hollow Braid and Samson Amsteel Blue
Cons
- Difficult to tie under load
- Tendency to jam under heavy load
Applications and Uses
It was originally used to join buntlines to the bottom of the square sails on a square-rigged ship.
This knot is secure enough to withstand the flogging of loose sails and the repeated jerking tends to tighten it further.
Buntline Hitch is not just used in sailing.
It is used for securing lines to rings, posts, rods, and railings when you need a compact and secure knot.
It is also used to tie Neckties called a Four-in-Hand knot (ABoK #2408).
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