The Round Turn and Two Half Hitches is a strong and reliable knot for securing boats, gears or other items to anchor, posts, or rings.
This knot is easy to tie and untie, making it perfect for sailing, boating, and outdoor activities.
FUN FACT: This knot was first documented by David Steel in his book, Elements and Practice of Rigging and Seamanship (1794). It is also featured in The Ashley Book of Knots.
How to Tie a Round Turn and Two Half Hitches Knot
The Round Turn & Two Half Hitches consists of two main parts:
Round Turn
Begin by wrapping the rope around the object to form a round turn. This helps reduce the initial load strain making it easy to tie the Hitches.
It provides the friction against the support that helps to maintain secure grip and prevent slippage.
Half Hitches
After a round turn is tied, tie Two Half hitches around the standing part of the rope. It helps secure the line in place.
When the round turn is combined with the Half hitches, you get a secure and reliable knot.
Related Article: Knot and Rope Terminology: A Beginner’s Guide
- Pass the working end around the fixed object twice to create a round turn.
- Tie a Half hitch around the standing line.
- Tie another Half hitch in the same direction.
- Tighten the knot.
If the finished knot looks like a Clove Hitch wrapped around the standing part of the rope, you’ve tied it correctly.
To untie this knot, start by loosening and removing the Half Hitches by pulling out the working end.
Then, slide the working end out of the round turn to free the rope from the object.
You may notice some tension as the rope starts unwinding.
Common Mistakes
- Inconsistent Half Hitches: Each Half hitch should be tied in the same direction. If not, the knot can become unstable.
- Overdoing Half Hitches: Adding too many Hitches does not increase the strength of the knot at all. More Hitches just means more time spent untying the knot.
Quick TIP
To make this knot a quick release knot, simply add a Slip Knot after the first Half Hitch. While tying the second Half Hitch, just tug the bight instead of the working end.
Remember to use this modification only in light load conditions, like setting up a temporary tarp while camping.
DON’T USE it under high tension load, such as securing a boat to an anchor.
Applications and Uses
Boating and Sailing
Traditionally used for holding mooring lines, the round turn and two Half Hitches knot is still popular for securing lines to posts, trees, columns or rings.
It can easily withstand the forces encountered on the water.
Camping and Outdoor Activities
Campers often use this knot for setting up clotheslines, tying tarp lines or attaching hammocks to trees.
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