The Round Turn and Two Half Hitches is a knot that everyone should know and master.
The name might sound fancy, but it’s just how the knot works—a “round turn” circles around the object and “two half hitches” secure the rope’s end around the standing line.
It’s used to tie the end of a rope around an object and perfect for sailing, boating, and outdoor activities.
Let’s check this hitch in detail.
FUN FACT: Did you know this knot history goes back to 1794? It was mentioned by David Steel in his work Elements and Practice of Rigging and Seamanship.
How to Tie a Round Turn and Two Half Hitches Knot
The Round turn and two Half Hitches is an evolution of the classic Half hitch knot, but it’s stronger and useful.
It consists of two main parts:
Round Turn
The initial Round Turn is made by wrapping rope around the object two times.
It takes and reduces the initial load strain making it easy to tie the Hitches especially when handling heavy loads.
It helps increase the breaking strength of the Two half Hitches (about 60-75 %) by a few percentages.
Half Hitches
After a round turn is tied, two (or more) Half hitches can be tied around the standing part of the rope.
The Two half hitches form a Clove hitch around the standing part which helps secure the line in place.
When both Round turn and Half hitches are combined you’ll get an excellent Round turn and Two Half Hitches knot.
Here are the step-by-step breakdown:
- Pass the working end around the fixed object twice to create a round turn.
- Tie a Half hitch around the standing line.
- Tie other Half hitch in the same direction.
- Tighten the knot.
To untie, loosen the Half hitches by pulling out the working end. Expect some tension as the rope starts unwinding.
After the Half hitches are untied, slide the working end out of the round turn.
Common Mistakes
Inconsistent Half Hitches
Each Half hitch should be tied in the same direction.
If the first Half hitch is tied with the working end passing over and under the standing end, repeat the same steps on the next half hitch.
If this is not strictly followed, there’s a chance of the half hitches getting undone on their own.
Overdoing Half Hitches
We might think that adding many Hitches may increase the strength of the knot.
But, it’s actually not true.
More Hitches just means more time spent untying the knot and its not a substitute for a more secure hitch.
Quick TIP
Need a quick release Round turn and two half hitches? Add a slippery Half Hitch after the first Half hitch.
Just make a bight on the working end and tug it inside the loop.
This variation is particularly useful if the rope has a long tail.
Use this Slipped Half hitch variation only in light load conditions like setting up a temporary tarp while camping.
NEVER trust the slipped version under high tension load, such as securing a boat to an anchor.
Looking for Something Stronger?
If you are looking for a more secure option, Anchor hitch or Fisherman’s bend (technically a hitch) is probably the best option.
What’s more—it tied almost a similar way.
After the round turn is made around the object, pass the tag end through the round turn and finish off by tying the half hitch.
It is one of the strongest (70-75%) and secure hitch for wet and slimy conditions.
Similar Knots
Clove Hitch
If the initial Round Turn is removed from this hitch, you are essentially left with the Clove hitch around the standing ends.
This is also referred to as the Buntline hitch.
If you add the round turn around the object, it provides extra security to strengthen the knot further.
The Clove hitch is quicker to tie but it tends to slip easily and is difficult to secure down tightly.
Pipe Hitch
The Pipe Hitch (also known as the Well Pipe Hitch) is a variation of the Round turn and two half hitches.
It’s tied by wrapping four or more coils around the object and finishing off with the two half hitches (or a Clove hitch) around the standing part.
It’s used to lower or hoist a pipe out of the ground.
Pros and Cons
The Round turn and half hitches is a helpful knot to have in your repertoire.
The main benefit is that it can be tied and untied when there’s tension in the standing line— there are few hitch knots that have this attribute.
Other best thing about this knot is that it rarely jams which makes the untying process a whole lot easier.
It’s unlikely to come loose even if there is tugging or uneven load on the standing end or under the cyclic loads.
This makes it a better option than Bowline which tends to come loose when there is no tension in the line.
Another great aspect of this knot is that it’s a self tightening knot meaning it starts to tighten up when there’s tension in the line.
The only downside of this knot is its security. It does not mean the knot is weakest, but there are other secure hitches.
Applications and Uses
Traditionally, the Round turn and two half hitches is used for holding mooring lines, so it’s still popular for securing lines to posts, trees, columns or rings.
It can easily withstand the forces encountered in the water.
It’s also used to secure the ends of a ridgeline or tarp line, setting up clotheslines, or attaching hammocks to trees.
That’s it for this Article.
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