View Video: Roundturn with Two Half Hitches
This is one of the basic knots that is very reliable for a number of uses in pioneering work. It is easy to tie and untie and does not reduce the strength of the rope due to sharp turns when under a hard pull. You start by making a roundturn. This provides extra surface around the spar when chafing or slipping might be a problem. Once you’ve made the roundturn, the rope has a grip on whatever it’s around. The strain on the rope can then be adjusted before finishing off with two half hitches. The knot is well suited for both ends of a guyline. When it is used in a place where you will not have easy access, as at the top of a tower, secure the running end, (after the two half hitches are tied) with a piece of light cord.
To make the knot, make a roundturn around a spar. Next, make a half hitch around the standing part of the rope (as shown on the left). Then make another half hitch (as shown in the middle). When both half hitches are made, pull them tight (as shown on the right).
PIONEERING — USES
- When wear is a factor when tied to an iron ring.
- To attach a guyline to a spar
- For connecting guylines to the anchor stakes, because it does not jam and is easy to untie when adjustments are needed.