Free eBook Coming Soon. Sign Up for Early Access!

Slippery Half Hitch

Updated on:

The Slippery Half Hitch Knot is a slipped variation of the classic Half Hitch Knot.

Like other Slip knots, it is tied around the object with a bight instead of the rope’s end.

This makes it easy to undo just by pulling the withdraw loop on the knot.

Let’s check this Hitch in detail.

Slippery Half Hitch Details

Type: Quick Release knot

Other Names: Slipped Half Hitch

ABoK Reference: #394

How to Tie Slippery Half Hitch Knot

  1. Wrap the rope around the object
  2. Pass the rope under the standing end
  3. Make a bight and feed it through the loop 
  4. Tighten the knot.

To untie, just pull the withdraw loop and it will spill the hitch apart.

slipped-half-hitch-step-by-step
Slippery Half Hitch Diagram

Note: In the Ashley Book of Knots, another version of the slipped half hitch (ABoK #395) is mentioned where the knot is slipped a second time. It’s generally tied around a comparatively large object.

Common Mistakes

Here’s where people often go wrong: tying the slippery half hitch as a simple overhand knot with a bight around an object.

But here’s the catch:

To increase the strength of this knot, feed the bight at the top of the spar instead of the bottom.

In the Ashley Book of Knots, this hitch (ABoK #1664) is tied somewhat differently with the nip pointing towards the top.

It also results in a secure Slipped Half Hitch.

Applications and Uses

The slippery half hitch can be tied on its own, but it’s commonly used with other knots like Two Half Hitches or Round Turn and Two Half Hitches.

It’s perfect for securing loads that need to be frequently adjusted or tying off the end of a rope when you need a quick release.

It is mostly used in camping and hiking to secure tarps, tents, and other gear or make a clothesline.

It is also used in household activities to bundle the items together for a temporary hold.

Alternative to Slippery Half Hitch

Slipped Buntline Hitch

If the object to be tied is large a Slipped Buntline Hitch works far better than the slipped hitch.

It’s more secure and easy to untie as well.

It is tied just like you would tie a necktie, so it is easy to remember as well.

Warning

Never use this knot in critical situations where a dynamic load is applied.

It can come undone with the slightest force, and that’s not something you want when lives or heavy loads are on the line.


Did You like the article? If you have any questions, comment down below or write to me at [email protected].

Share this Article!

🎉 Free Ebook: The Most Essential Knots 🎉

Master the essential knots with clear, step-by-step instructions and illustrations! Download our free ebook "The Most Essential Knots"—perfect for beginners and outdoor enthusiasts.

Download Your Free Ebook Now

Leave a Comment

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

bull-hitch-diagram-how-to-tie-a-bull-hitch-knot-knotspedia

Hitch Knots

Bull Hitch

The Bull Hitch is a secure knot used to attach ropes to objects like rings or buckles. Known for its X-shaped pattern, it's ideal for strength and stability in paracord projects.

cleat-hitch-diagram-how-to-tie-a-cleat-hitch-step-by-step-knotspedia

Boating Knots

Cleat Hitch

The Cleat Hitch is the go-to knot for securing dock lines to a cleat—easy to tie, quick to release, reliable under load, but often mis-tied at docks.

sailor's-knot-diagram-how-to-tie-the-sailor's-knot-knotspedia

Hitch Knots

Sailor’s Hitch

The Sailor’s Hitch is a secure knot for tying rope to objects or another rope. It grips firmly, won’t jam, and is ideal for sailing, rescue, and camping.

arbor-knot-diagram-how-to-tie-a-arbor-knot-knotspedia

Fishing Knots

Arbor Knot

The Arbor Knot securely attaches fishing line to any reel spool. Simple to tie, compact, and reliable, it’s also handy in bushcraft as the Canadian Jam Knot.

racking-bend-diagram-how-to-tie-a-racking-bend-knot-step-by-step

Bend Knots

Racking Bend

The Racking Bend is a secure knot for joining ropes of different diameters. Stronger than a Double Sheet Bend, it grips tightly and resists slipping.

double-coin-knot-diagram-how-to-tie-a-double-coin-knot-knotspedia

Decorative Knots

Double Coin Knot

The Double Coin Knot is an ancient Chinese decorative knot, easy to tie, beautiful, and often used in jewelry, crafts, and traditional Chinese knotting.