Highwayman’s Hitch
A quick-release hitch on a rail made only of bights: one bight round the rail, a second through it, and a third through the second. The standing part takes the load; one pull on the end and the hitch falls away.
- Difficulty
- ●●○ Intermediate
- Security
- Moderate
- Untying
- Quick release
Drawing being redrawn. This 3D model does not yet show the knot clearly enough to learn from. Use the written steps for now; the corrected drawing will replace it.
Drag to turn the knot. Scroll or pinch to zoom.
- 1The standing part comes up in front of the rail, as a bight up through the first bight.
- 2The first bight goes over the rail from behind and hangs in front.
- 3A bight of the end goes up through the second bight.
- 4Pull the standing part to tighten. Pull the end to release.
Arrow keys step through. Tags show whether the moving end passes over or under.
Use it for
- A quick tie to a rail that must come free at once.
- Tying up a horse or a boat for a short time.
Watch out
- It can shake loose without a load. Check which strand is which: pulling the standing part tightens it, pulling the end releases it.
Untying
Pull the end.