The Round Turn & Two Half Hitches knot is a simple, self-tightening knot used in sailing. It’s a strong mooring knot that sailors can easily undo.
It has two parts: a round turn that holds the load and two half hitches that secure the knot.
Quick Guide: Tying a Round Turn & Two Half Hitches Knot
Wrap the rope over the post or support and bring it around twice. (If you are working with an extra-long rope or securing a strong load, you can wrap the rope an additional 1-2 times.)
Then, wrap the end of the rope around the main part of the rope and tuck it through to form your first half hitch. Repeat this step to create your second half hitch, ensuring you’re wrapping in the same direction.
Finally, pull the main rope and end rope to tighten the knot.
Advantages of the Round Turn & Two Half Hitches
The main advantage of the Round Turn & Two Half Hitches is that you can learn to tie this knot one-handed, freeing up your other hand to hold your boat or vessel. It’s easy to untie since it won’t bind on itself. It’s also ideal if you have excess rope or need to secure a heavy load since you can double up on the rounds.
Some argue that this knot is less secure than the Fisherman’s knot and should not be used in permanent or life-threatening situations.
Interesting Facts About the Round Turn & Two Half Hitches
The Round Turn & Two Half Hitches knot first appeared in David Steele’s 1794 book Elements and Practices of Rigging and Seamanship.
Knots Similar to the Round Turn & Two Half Hitches
Clove Hitch—The clove hitch features two half-hitch knots around an object. It works as a crossing or binding knot.
Anchor Hitch Knot—The anchor hitch keeps anchors secured to a rope and works for light or heavy loads. It’s also called a fisherman’s bend knot or anchor bend knot.
Bowline Knot—The bowline knot is essential for sailors to learn. It works for mooring and hitching by creating a fixed loop at the rope’s end.Yucatan Knot – This knot connects fishing lines of various diameters. It’s similar to the Albright Special Knot.
Step 1:
Place your rope over the support.
Step 2:
Feed the rope around the support.
Step 3:
Bring the rope around the support to complete the loop.
Step 4:
Wrap the end of the rope around the main rope.
Step 5:
Form the first half hitch by tucking the end rope through.
Step 6:
Wrap the end rope around the main rope in the same direction.
Step 7:
Tuck the end rope through to create your second half hitch.
Step 8:
Pull the main and end rope to tighten the knot.
