Description
The Half Hitch is a simple Overhand Knot, where the working end of a line is brought over and under the standing part. Insecure on its own, it is a valuable component of a wide variety of useful and reliable hitches, bends, and knots.
Structure
A Half Hitch is structurally identical to the Overhand Knot.
Strength/Reliability
The Half Hitch is not secure on its own and should not be used for anything except as a component of other knots.
Common Uses
- add an extra wrap to another knot for additional security.
- temporarily hold a rope in place while tying a better knot.
- form the building block of many other knots and hitches.
- secure a wire or cable for pulling through a conduit or pipe.
- add securing wraps when hoisting a hose or tool line.
- add a finishing half hitch when securing a rope to a belaying pin.
- add securing half hitches when hoisting tools up the side of a building.