Page 29 - The Knot Bible

Round turn & two half hitches

It’s one of the least glamorous knots in a sailor’s inventory – yet also one
of the most useful. The round turn and two half hitches is a dependable
old workhorse that can be put to good use on land and at sea – and
probably in the air too. It’s also one of the oldest knots in existence. If you
learn only one knot, learn this one.

Some things are so simple we tend standing part of the line. And the
to take them for granted. Like key to tying a clove hitch is also to
making a cup of tea, or riding a bike. keep going.
Or, in the case of sailors, a round Despite its simplicity, the double
turn and two half hitches. But ask a hitch has some ardent admirers.
non-tea drinker to make tea, or a Ashley quotes Admiral Stephen
toddler to ride a bike, or a knot Luce, founder of the Naval War 1 Take a turn around the mooring
novice to tie a round turn and two College in Newport, Rhode Island, point – in this case a horizontal pole.
half hitches – and you soon realise as saying: ‘Two half hitches will
there’s more to these things than never slip.’ Another anonymous
you fi rst imagined. source says: ‘Two half hitches saved
The key to a round turn and two a Queen’s ship.’ Combined with a
half hitches is to keep going. Once round turn to spread the wear, it’s
you’ve put in the fi rst hitch – either an even better knot. KNOT SCORE
clockwise or anticlockwise around Feel tempted to throw in a third
Strength
the standing part – keep going in the half-hitch, just to be sure? Admiral
Security
same direction for the second hitch. Smyth is quoted as saying: ‘Three
Diffi culty Tying
It’s as simple as that. half hitches are more than a King’s
Diffi culty Untying
It might help to think of the knot yacht wants.’ But no one will tell him
Usefulness
as a clove hitch tied onto the if you do!