Favorite Pioneering Knots: Roundturn with Two Half Hitches

VIEW VIDEO: How to tie a Roundturn with Two Half Hitches

The following text is by Adolph E. Peschke as presented in the 1998 printing of the 1993 edition of the Pioneering Merit Badge Pamphlet:

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 (see 1). The strain on the rope can then be adjusted before finishing off with two half hitches (see 2 and 3).

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.

It can be tied in the middle of a long rope by making a long bight with enough rope to make two half hitches after the roundturn.

1, 2, and 3 (below) illustrate the half hitches tied loosely. In actual use both half hitches are pulled up tight.

1. To make the knot, start by making a roundturn over a spar.
2. Next, make a half hitch around the standing part of the rope. Then make another half hitch.
3. When both half hitches are made, pull them tight, and secure the ends with a small cord.

PIONEERING USES

• At both ends of large hand and foot ropes for a monkey bridge. Be sure to secure the running ends with a light cord.
• When wear is a factor when tied to an iron ring.
• For guylines because it does not jam, and is easy to untie when adjustments are needed.

Author: Scout Pioneering

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