Two Half Hitches

The Two Half Hitches is used to secure a rope to a post, ring, or tree. You’ll often see it used for mooring lines on boats and docks.

It starts with an Overhand Knot around an object, then you lock it down with a Half Hitch.

What makes it hold so well, though?

The two half hitches form a Clove Hitch around the standing line, which provides it with the friction needed.

Let’s learn it in detail.

How to Tie Two Half Hitches

1. Pass the rope around the object.
2. Tie a half hitch around the standing end.
3. Tie a second-half hitch. 
4. Tighten the knot.

If the final knot looks like a Clove hitch tied around the standing part of the line, you have tied this right.

To untie this knot, apply a bending motion that will unwind the knot itself.

Quick TIP: The Two half hitch is already a secure hitch but, if you want to secure the knots further—add more hitches to the half hitches.

Common Mistakes

Now, let’s talk about a common mistake that might happen when tying the “two half hitches.” 

Instead of tying a Clove hitch around the standing part, people mistakenly tie the Lark’s head (Cow Hitch) which results in the Reverse Hitches (ABoK #1713).

The Lark’s head has two half hitch knots tied in opposite directions. This might sound like a small detail, but it makes affects in how the knot performs. 

That said, the Lark’s head variation is not a bad option at all. 

In fact, Ashley has mentioned that the Lark’s head has less tendency to jam than the Half hitches and is not a bad option for many purposes.

But here’s the thing: when you tie a Cow hitch around the standing part, it doesn’t give you the friction that the Clove hitch may provide.

When it comes to friction, the Clove hitch gives you that by having two Half hitch knots tied in the same direction.

So, what’s the takeaway?Always tie the second Half hitch in the similar way as the first one.

Two Half Hitches vs Clove Hitch

People often confuse Two Half Hitches with Clove Hitch, but they are two different hitches. 

The Two Half Hitches is tied by tying two Overhand knots around the standing part after tying a single turn around an object.

It’s difficult to untie when there is tension on the line.

If you look at the Clove hitch, it is tied around the object and not the standing line like the Two Half Hitches. It is easier to tie and untie under load.

Other Alternatives

Round Turn and Two Half Hitches

The Round turn and two half hitches is more secure than the Two Half Hitches.

The round turn helps to reduce the initial load strain, so it is easy to tie the Hitches. 

Plus, it adds friction against the support, which helps to maintain a secure grip and prevent slippage.

Buntline Hitch

The Buntine Hitch is almost identical to the Two Half Hitches, but the second half hitch is tied inside of the first one.

It’s a more secure hitch knot but can jam.

Slipped Half Hitches

The Two Half Hitches can often jam and can be difficult to untie.

To solve this problem, tie the Slipped half hitches.

You just need to pass a bight through the second half hitch, rather than the tail end.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy to tie
• Easy to adjust

Cons

• Can jam
• Difficult to untie

Applications and Uses

• The Half hitches is used to secure the guylines. Campers use it to make a clothesline or hang a banner, or move large objects.
• Sailors use this hitch to tie mooring lines to docks and boats. It’ll keep boats from drifting away.
• This is known as Double Half Hitches in Macrame but it is tied the same as Two Half hitches. It’s used to make vertical, diagonal and horizontal designs.
• It is also used in logistics to secure loads on vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the strength of the two half hitches?

The strength of the Two Half Hitches is about 65%. It’s a secure knot that is admired by people from old times.

Does this knot hold tight in varying tension levels?

It will collapse down if used for dynamic tension, and also bind while under tension.

Share this Article!