How to Tie the Buntline Hitch
The Buntline Hitch
The Buntline Hitch is a compact and highly secure hitch used to fasten a rope to a ring, eye, post, or other fixed object. Originally developed aboard sailing ships for attaching buntlines to the foot of a square sail, it is valued for its strength, simplicity, and ability to remain secure under heavy load. Because it tightens firmly when loaded, it is commonly used in sailing, camping, climbing, and general utility rope work where a permanent or semi-permanent attachment is desired.
Other Names: Inside Clove Hitch, Stunsail Tack Bend, Inside Clove Hitch
Buntline Hitch Instructions
The Buntline Hitch is listed in The Ashley Book of Knots (ABOK #1847) and is recognized as one of the most dependable hitches for securing a rope to a fixed object. Its structure consists of a Clove Hitch finished with a round turn around the standing part, creating a compact knot that cinches tightly under tension. This self-tightening design provides excellent security but can also cause the knot to jam after being heavily loaded.
See the Lobster Buoy Hitch for another hitch that tightens with a load.
Key Considerations
Proper dressing of the Buntline Hitch is important to ensure the turns are neatly formed and tightened snugly against the object. The hitch should be seated firmly before loading so the wraps lock together correctly. As with all hitches, it should be inspected after tying to verify that the knot is properly dressed and the tail is of adequate length.
Advantages & Disadvantages
One of the key advantages of the Buntline Hitch is its exceptional security in a compact form. It performs well with both natural and synthetic ropes and is especially effective in applications where the knot is expected to remain tied for an extended period. Although it can become difficult to untie after heavy loading, its strength and reliability have made it a long-standing favourite among sailors and rope enthusiasts.
ABOK #1918 - Buntline Hitch
Abok Numbers: Abok #55, Abok #191, Abok #397, Abok #1229, Abok #1711, Abok #1712, Abok #1807, Abok #1847, Abok #1918
The Buntline Hitch is a great knot that’s featured in Ashley’s Book of Knots quite a lot. The entries are as follows:
Abok #191,
‘The CORNED BEEF AND SALT PORK KNOT. As already stated, meat shrinks appreciably while in the brine, and the knot has to be tightened from time to time before the final HALF HITCH is added. This is BUNTLINE HITCH #1711 tied around its own standing part. It is probably the best knot for the purpose.’
Abok #397,
‘If the object to be tied to is large a SLIPPED BUNTLINE HITCH is a better knot than any of the foregoing. In tying any rope around a jagged stone arrange the turns carefully and draw up snugly, with the lead in exactly the direction in which the pull is to be exerted. If a rope shifts while supporting a heavy weight a sharp edge may easily cut a strand.’
Abok #1229,
‘The BUNTLINE HITCH Serves well as a JAM KNOT. It consists of a CLOVE HITCH tied around its own standing part in the opposite way to which TWO HALF HITCHES are taken.’
Abok #1711,
‘The BUNTLINE HITCH, when bent to a yard, makes a more secure knot than TWO HALF HITCHES, but is more liable to jam. It differs from TWO HALF HITCHES in that the second HALF HITCH is inside instead of outside the first one.’
Abok #1712,
‘The SLIPPED BUNTLINE HITCH has been recommended in agricultural college bulletins as a means of “tying up” horses.’
Abok #1807,
‘The SLIPPED BUNTLINE HITCH is used both for hitching horses and for tying up small boats.’
Abok #1847,
‘The BUNTLINE HITCH is ordinarily tied with one turn only through a cringle or eyelet. It is used to bend a buntline to the foot of a square sail.’
Abok #1918,
‘The BUNTLINE HITCH, according to Kipping (1840), was tied through eyelet holes in the foot of a sail, not to a cringle, which was the earlier practice. Buntlines are employed to lift the square sails preparatory to furling. The BUNTLINE HITCH is a very secure knot and is not easily loosened by the slatting of the sail. Toggles also have been employed for securing buntlines, Luce showing them 1862.’
Disclaimer
The information on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, knot strength, security, and suitability can vary depending on rope type, condition, load, environmental factors, and how the knot is tied. Users are responsible for inspecting their equipment and verifying that a knot is appropriate for their intended use. Do not rely solely on the information provided here for activities involving personal safety, life support, climbing, rescue operations, heavy lifting, or other high-risk applications.
SCB Media Group assumes no responsibility or liability for any injury, loss, damage, or consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the knots and techniques described. Always seek professional instruction and follow applicable safety standards where appropriate.