The Buntline Hitch is used to secure buntlines to sails.
It’s compact in size and self-tightens when a load is applied.
Let’s check this hitch in detail.
Buntline Hitch Details
Type: Hitch
Other Names: Inside Clove Hitch
ABoK Reference: #55, #1229, #1711, #1847, #1918
How to Tie a Buntline Hitch
The Buntline Hitch is tied by passing the rope around the object and tying a Clove Hitch around the standing end with the turns moving toward the object.
Buntline hitch is stronger than the Two half hitches but can jam under heavy loading.
Here are the steps:
- Pass the rope around the object and go around the standing end
- Make the 8 shape
- Pass the working end through the loop
- Tie a Half hitch knot
- Tighten the knot.
PRO TIP: The Buntline Hitch is already a very secure knot, but if you want extra security, add a round turn around the object before tying the hitch. It’s listed as ABoK #1838.
Slipped Buntline Hitch
The Buntline Hitch jams under heavy loads. If you want something that is easier to untie, try Slipped Buntline hitch.
It is tied by passing the bight through the loop on the last step instead of the bitter end.
To untie, just pull the bitter end on the withdraw loop and the knot falls apart.
It should be used for temporary setups only.
How Does it Compare to Other Hitches
Two Half Hitches
At first look, the Buntline hitch might look similar to Two Half hitches, but there is a key difference.
The first part of the tying process where the rope wraps over the standing end does not count as the Half hitch.
So, structurally Buntline hitch is not anywhere close to the Two half hitches.
The Two Half Hitches is less secure under load, but it’s easier to untie than the Buntline hitch.
Estar Hitch
The Buntline hitch works well with the traditional natural rope.
It does not grip well when used with modern slippery synthetic ropes like Dyneema.
The Estar hitch was developed for this exact purpose.
It’s tied like the regular buntline hitch, but not tightened. You pass the tag end around the object and back through the knot to the standing end of the rope.
This extra loop around the object keeps everything in place.
Gnat Hitch
Gnat hitch is a new knot in the knotting community with people still unaware if the knot exists.
If you like the Buntline hitch, the Gnat hitch also delivers.
It’s easier to tie than the Buntline hitch and does the job just as well.
Bowline
Bowline knot is a classic knot, but it’s not the best choice for securing buntlines to sail. It’s not compact enough for the job.
But, it can replace Buntline hitch if you want to secure something to a post or a tree.
Bowline is secure than Buntline hitch and it’s easy to untie under heavy load.
Pros and Cons
Buntline hitch is a strong and secure knot.
Its compact size allows for the foot of the sails to be drawn close to the buntline deadeyes or attach a halyard to the shackle.
Related: How to tie a Halyard knot
Its self tightening and compact nature is an advantage when used to secure the buntline, but it can result in a stubborn knot that’s impossible to untie.
It slips in slippery modern synthetic lines like Dyneema Hollow Braid and Samson Amsteel Blue.
Applications and Uses
Buntline hitch is an ancient knot that’s 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.
It’s also used to attach a halyard to a shackle or a sail.
Buntline Hitch is not just used in sailing.
It’s used to secure lines to rings, posts, and railings when you need a compact secure knot.
It’s also used to tie Neckties called a Four-in-Hand knot (ABoK #2408).
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