Cow Hitch

The Cow Hitch is a simple hitch used to tie something to a post, poles or other ropes.

It’s easy to learn and can be tied to the end of the rope or the bight.

It’s like a Clove Hitch except the second Half Hitch is in the opposite direction which gives it its own flavor.

But hold up—before we get too excited—this knot isn’t recommended for critical use when security is paramount.

Let’s learn this hitch in detail.

How to Tie a Cow Hitch

Method 1: End Method (ABoK #1673)

1. Wrap the end of the rope around the object from behind.
2. Cross it behind the standing line.
3. Pass the working end around the object in the opposite direction and pass it through the loop.
4. Pull both ends to tighten the knot.

This method works great when you have an open end of the rope and need to tie it around something.

Method 2: Bight Method (ABoK #1802)

1. Pass the bight of rope around the object.
2. Pass the working end through the loop.
3. Tighten the knot.

This is popularly known as Girth Hitch among the climbers. You’ll see this in macrame and other craft projects.

Method 3: Loop Method 

1. Make a bight in your rope.
2. Fold the bight in half to make two loops.
3. Fold the two loops together.
4. Pass it through the end of the object.
5. Tighten the knot.

Use this one if you don’t have a free end to work with. You can slip it onto something without having to undo the whole rope.

Cow Hitch vs Girth Hitch

At first glance, the Cow Hitch and Girth Hitch look like twins, but there’s a key difference.

The Girth Hitch is tied with both ends so there is no standing or working end as such, but when tied in a sling loop there’s just a working bight.

Both lines are under tension which makes the hitch more secure and stable.

The Cow Hitch takes the load on one side, so it’s less secure when unequal tension is applied.

But, the Cow Hitch is more practical when working with a long rope where only one end is available.

The Girth Hitch requires threading the whole rope through the bight which is impractical with the long rope.

Pedigree Cow Hitch: A More Secure Option

Worried about the Cow Hitch coming undone?

Try the Pedigree Cow Hitch.

It is the same knot but with one crucial difference—the working end is tucked inside the turns for extra security.

This adds extra security and helps prevent slippage when the tension is applied to just one end.

 A life saver in situations where a simple Cow Hitch could slip off if you are not careful.

Application and Uses

Where can you use this hitch? Pretty much anywhere where you need to secure something temporarily.

• Farmers use it to tie animals to posts.
• Arborists tie it onto rigging pulleys when lowering tree sections.
• Sailors use it to tie rigging lanyards to poles, trees, or other objects.
• In crafting, it’s used in macrame and paracord projects to attach items like tags to zippers or secure friendship bracelets to a wooden hoop.

Warning: Beware of Slippage

The Cow Hitch is super handy, but there’s a downside.

It can fail if you don’t keep equal tension on both parts of the rope.

It is not reliable for critical applications especially when tied with just the end of a rope. 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Simple and easy to tie
• Useful for temporary setups

Cons

• May slip or untie under load
• Has a few useful applications

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