Slippery Half Hitch

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.

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.

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.

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