The Constrictor knot is a binding knot used to hold things in place, like tightening up loose materials or ends of sacks.
It stays tight around an object and grips so well that it is often impossible to untie.
Let’s learn this knot in detail.
Constrictor Knot Details
Type: Hitch
Other Names: Gunner’s Knot, X Knot, Builder’s Knot, Whip Knot
ABoK Reference: #1188
How to Tie a Constrictor Knot
Rope End Method
This is the most basic way to tie a Constrictor knot when you have access to the working end of the rope.
- Pass the rope around the pole
- Cross the working end over the standing end and around the pole again
- Pass it under the loop
- Pass it under the first turn
- Tighten the knot.
Folding Method
This method works well when you have a long piece of rope or need to bind something with the open end of the object.
- Make a loop in the rope
- Fold the loop across the rope to form the shape 8
- Lift the rope from the center of the figure 8 so that the loops lie on either side of the center
- Feed the loop into the object.
- Tighten the knot.
Twisting Method
Got a short length of rope? Use this method, especially when the end section of the object is available.
- Twist the rope to form a figure 8
- Fold the loops down around the center
- Feed the loop into the object.
Other Constrictor Knots
Double Constrictor Knot
The Double Constrictor knot is the most secure hitch knot.
It is similar to the Constrictor knot but consists of two riding turns.
It works well on slippery twine or waxed surfaces, but it is powerful enough to damage fragile objects.
Slipped Constrictor Knot
Need a temporary binding knot? Try Slipped Constrictor knot.
Unlike Constrictor knot, it consists of a withdraw loop instead of the working end.
Please note—it can be difficult to untie if you tie it super tight in certain rope materials like paracords.
Similar Knots
Clove Hitch
The Constrictor hitch looks like a Clove hitch at first glance. But if you look at it close, the difference is subtle.
The clove hitch is tied with the tag end passed over the standing end and under the riding turn.
It’s a decent knot, but it does not grip as well as the Constrictor knot.
Strangle Knot
The Strangle knot looks like the Constrictor knot, but it’s less secure.
The tag end comes outside the turns rather than between the turns.
It’s also difficult to untie and may require a knife to cut the strands.
Boa Knot
The Boa Knot is one of the recent knots developed in 1996.
It combines the structure and qualities of both the strangle and Constrictor knots.
It was developed with the intention to hold tight when the constricted object was cut close to the windings of the knot.
Like the Constrictor knot, it holds well with cylindrical objects.
Applications and Uses
The Constrictor knot is used to hold the fibers together while splicing or whipping for a fraying rope’s end.
In daily use, it’s used to tie the neck of sacks or bags.
It’s also used as a temporary cable tie or a makeshift hose clamp.
It’s also recommended as a surgical knot for ligatures in surgery, where it grips better than the surgeon’s knot.
Pros and Cons
The biggest strength of the Constrictor knot is its binding strength. Few knots grip as secure as this knot.
It’s easy to tie and can be used for different applications.
But, for some applications, the strongest suit (its binding power) can also be a disadvantage.
It can jam if it’s tightened heavily. In fact there are times you need to cut it off.
It doesn’t work well on flat surfaces—it needs a curved (preferably a cylindrical) surface for a proper grip.
Related Questions
Can you untie a Constrictor knot?
YES…technically. But honestly, it’s so hard to untie that cutting it can be the only option.
If you must cut it down, the binding strand should be cut over the riding turn so that you can use the rest of the rope without an issue.
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