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Slipped half hitch

Also: Slipped hitch

Quickly hangs light things on a branch or bar, like a lamp or laundry bag. One pull on the end releases it.

Difficulty: Easy

  1. Slipped half hitch – Step 1 of 4
    Step 1 of 4Lay the rope over the branch.
  2. Slipped half hitch – Step 2 of 4
    Step 2 of 4Lead the end around behind the standing rope and over it.
  3. Slipped half hitch – Step 3 of 4
    Step 3 of 4Tuck a bight under the rope from the branch, not the end.
  4. Slipped half hitch – Step 4 of 4
    Step 4 of 4Pull the standing rope tight. To release, pull the end.

Pros

  • Quick to tie and open again with one pull on the end.
  • Usually still easy to undo after a pull.

Cons

  • Only holds light things. Never hang anything important or heavy on it.
  • A jerk or a tug on the end can open it.
  • Under changing load it holds only so far.

Holding and untying

Holds light things under a steady pull. Pull the short end and it opens at once.

Suitable rope

Thin lines and cords, like washing line or paracord.

Common mistake

You push the whole end through instead of a bight. Then one pull no longer opens it.

How to check it

The bight is tucked under the rope from the branch, the short end lies free to pull.

Related knots

The most useful knots for tarp, tent and line, step by step.

Open in the knot guide in the app

In the app the knot guide also works offline.