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
This is the most basic way to tie the 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 towards the pole.
- Pass it over the pole.
- Pass it over the standing line.
- Pass it under the first riding turn and the standing line.
- Tighten the knot.
Folding Method
This method works well when you have only one hand available and need to bind something with the open end of the object.
- Pass the loop over the end of the object.
- Grab the loop from under and twist it in a clockwise direction to form the 8 shape.
- Pass the loop over the end of the object again.
- Tighten the knot.
Twisting Method
This method really comes in handy when both hands are available and the end of the object to which the knot is to be tied is also available.
- Make two opposite-facing bights (S shape) with your rope.
- Hold both bights with your hand.
- Rotate the bight 90 degrees in an anti-clockwise direction. Both cross each other forming two loops.
- Grab the rope at the crossing point.
- Fold both loops around the crossing point.
- Pass both loops through the object.
- Tighten the knot.
Pros & Cons
- Super binding strength.
- Easy to tie and versatile for different applications.
- Can jam if it’s tightened heavily.
- Doesn’t work well on flat surfaces. Requires a curved (preferably a cylindrical) surface for a proper grip.
Applications and Uses
The Constrictor Knot is used to hold the fibers together while splicing or whipping a fraying rope’s end.
In daily use, it’s used to tie the necks 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.
Other Constrictor Knots
Double Constrictor Knot
The Double Constrictor knot is one of the most binding knots.
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 the slipped version.
It consists of a withdraw loop instead of the working end, which makes the untying process easy.
But it can be difficult to untie if you tie it super tight in certain rope materials like paracords.
Similar Knots
Clove Hitch
The Clove Hitch looks like a Constrictor Knot at first glance, but if you look at it closely, the difference is subtle.
It’s 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.
Strangle Knot
The Strangle knot is less secure than the Constrictor Knot.
The tag end comes outside the turns rather than between the turns.
It’s difficult to untie and may require a knife to cut the strands.
Boa Knot
The Boa Knot combines the structure and qualities of both the Strangle Knot and Constrictor Knot.
It was developed with the intention to hold tight when the constricted object was cut close to the windings of the knot.
It’s more secure than the Constrictor Knot, but requires more time and length of rope.
Related Questions
Can you untie the 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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