Page 16 - Jim Whippy "Reeds Knot Handbook"

The buntline hitch (effectively two half hitches) is a simple and
effective knot which was traditionally used to secure a line
to the foot of a sail on a square-rigged vessel. Its reliability is
due to the fact that it will tighten rather than loosen when
subjected to jerking, and is still popular as it works extremely
well on the slippery synthetic lines more commonly used
today. overhand Knots and hItches
The buntline hitch is useful if you want to attach lines to
rings, eyes, posts or railings and when you need to guarantee a
secure fixing. One word of caution, though: the buntline hitch
can jam when subjected to loads, making it difficult to release.

3
Now, push the working
end of the rope through
to form the second half
hitch. You can either
leave a loop for easy
release or. . .

4
. . . pull the working end
all the way through and
tighten to finish the knot.

15

Rev_Reeds_Knots_inside pages.indd 15 16/07/2012 23:32