The Round Turn and Two Half Hitches
How to Tie It & When to Use It

The Round Turn and Two Half Hitches is a very quick and easy knot to use when taking a mooring line to a cleat or bollard. Just throw a full turn around the cleat and make a couple of half-hitches with the working end (or a bight) of the mooring line and the boat is secure. 

The knot won't jam under load and is easy to release.

The Round Turn and Two Half Hitches can also be used to attach a line to any item of hardware, but there are other less bulky knots more suitable for this purpose.

How to Tie the Round Turn and Two Half Hitches

For illustration purposes we're using a rail (well, to be truthful it's a plastic broom handle) rather than a mooring cleat.

How to Tie the Round Turn and Two Half-Hitches (Stage 1)

Stage 1

Lay the line over the rail.

How to Tie the Round Turn and Two Half-Hitches (Stage 2)

Stage 2

and take a full turn around it.

How to Tie the Round Turn and Two Half-Hitches (Stage 3)

Stage 3

Take the working end around the standing part, making a half-hitch.

How to Tie the Round Turn and Two Half-Hitches (Stage 5)

Stage 4

Do the same again, making a second half-hitch. Here we've gone from right to left around the standing part with the second half-hitch, but it's perfectly acceptable to go from left to right.

How to Tie the Round Turn and Two Half-Hitches (Stage 6)

Stage 5

Hold the standing part and pull of the working end and you have the round turn and two half-hitches.

You can now relax in the knowledge that your boat is now securely tied to a plastic broom handle!

Prople are asking...

What is a round turn and two half hitches used for?

The round turn and two half hitches is a versatile and secure knot used for attaching a rope to a fixed object. Here are some common applications:

  1. Securing Lines:Used to tie a rope to a post, ring, or tree, providing a secure and adjustable attachment.
  2. Boating and Sailing:Securing mooring lines to cleats or posts.Tying fenders to railings or lifelines.
  3. Camping and Outdoor Activities:Setting up tents, tarps, or hammocks.Securing guy lines to stakes or trees.
  4. General Use:Any situation where a secure and easily adjustable attachment is needed.

The knot starts with a round turn, which increases friction and helps absorb tension, followed by two half hitches to lock the rope in place. 

How secure is a round turn and two half hitches?

The round turn and two half hitches is generally a very secure and reliable knot for many applications. Its security comes from the combination of the round turn and the two half hitches:

  • Round Turn: The initial round turn increases friction and helps distribute the load evenly. This makes the knot less likely to slip, especially when the rope is under tension.
  • Two Half Hitches: The two half hitches lock the rope in place, securing the knot and preventing it from coming undone. The second half hitch provides additional security and stability.

Advantages:

  • Secure and Reliable: The knot is strong and can hold well under load.
  • Adjustable: It can be easily adjusted and untied, even after being subjected to tension.
  • Versatile: Suitable for a variety of applications, from boating and camping to general use.

However, it's important to note that the security of the knot can be affected by factors such as the type of rope, the load, and the conditions in which it's used. For example, slippery or synthetic ropes might require additional wraps or hitches for extra security.

Overall, the round turn and two half hitches is a dependable knot that performs well in many situations, but it's always good to assess the specific requirements of your task to ensure the knot is suitable.

What is the purpose of dressing a knot?

Dressing a knot means arranging the parts of the knot so that they are in the correct position and properly aligned. This is a crucial step in knot-tying for several reasons:

  1. Security: Properly dressed knots are less likely to slip or come undone. Ensuring that all parts of the knot are snug and correctly aligned increases its security and reliability under load.
  2. Strength: A well-dressed knot maintains the rope's strength by reducing unnecessary twists or bends that can weaken the rope. This helps the knot to hold better and withstand greater stress.
  3. Ease of Untying: Knots that are properly dressed are easier to untie, even after being subjected to tension. This is especially important in climbing, rescue, and other activities where knots may need to be untied quickly and efficiently.
  4. Neatness: A dressed knot looks neater and more organized, which can be important for inspection and ensuring that the knot has been tied correctly.

To dress a knot, you typically:

  • Tighten each part of the knot evenly.
  • Ensure that all loops, bights, and ends are aligned and properly positioned.
  • Adjust the knot so that it looks symmetrical and neat.

Dressing a knot is a simple yet vital step that enhances the overall performance and safety of the knot.


You might like these...

Recent Articles

  1. Marine Electrical Systems for Sailboats

    Feb 14, 25 12:37 PM

    Ever wondered what keeps all the gadgets and systems on your sailboat running smoothly? A good understanding of the marine electric systems will provide the answers

    Read More

  2. Calculating the Current Draw by a 12v Domestic Circuit

    Feb 14, 25 12:34 PM

    Calculating the current draw over a 24hr period is the first stage of sizing the domestic battery bank for a boat.

    Read More

  3. Sizing the 12v Domestic Battery Bank

    Feb 14, 25 12:31 PM

    Here's how to use the current draw of your boat's domestic circuit, here's how to use it in sizing the 12v domestic battery bank

    Read More