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Attach a line to a post or tree

Which knot should I use to attach a line to a post, branch or tree?

Four common knots compared. Which one fits depends on whether the load is steady or intermittent, whether tension needs adjusting and whether the rope end is accessible.

Starting situation
Legend
Select methods to compare side by sideMethodHolds a steady pullHolds intermittent loadTension adjustableEasy to untieQuick to tieNeeds access to the rope end
Clove hitchPartlyNoPartlyYesYesDepends
Two half hitchesYesPartlyNoYesYesYes
Taut-line hitchDependsPartlyYesYesPartlyYes
BowlineYesPartlyNoYesPartlyYes

Legend:● Yes◐ Partly◇ Depends○ No* = note available

Clove hitch

Effort:
a few seconds
Needs:
A post, pole or branch
  • Holds a steady pullPartly

    On grippy objects of reasonable diameter; can slip on smooth ones

  • Holds intermittent loadNo

    Works loose; back up with half hitches

  • Tension adjustablePartly

    Adjustable by feeding rope through when unloaded

  • Easy to untieYes
  • Quick to tieYes
  • Needs access to the rope endDepends

    Can be dropped over a free post end mid-rope; around a tree it needs the end

Open guide →

Two half hitches

Effort:
under half a minute
Needs:
Access to the rope end
  • Holds a steady pullYes

    Especially secure with a round turn

  • Holds intermittent loadPartly

    With a round turn, much better than a clove hitch alone

  • Tension adjustableNo
  • Easy to untieYes
  • Quick to tieYes
  • Needs access to the rope endYes
Open guide →

Taut-line hitch

Effort:
under a minute
Needs:
Grippy cord, access to the end
  • Holds a steady pullDepends

    Yes in grippy cord; may slip in slick or stiff cord

  • Holds intermittent loadPartly

    Check regularly

  • Tension adjustableYes
  • Easy to untieYes
  • Quick to tiePartly

    A few more turns than the others

  • Needs access to the rope endYes
Open guide →

Bowline

Effort:
under a minute with some practice
Needs:
Access to the rope end
  • Holds a steady pullYes

    When loaded through the standing part, not under ring loading

  • Holds intermittent loadPartly

    Can loosen when unloaded; leave a long tail or back it up

  • Tension adjustableNo
  • Easy to untieYes

    Usually easy even after loading

  • Quick to tiePartly

    Quick with practice

  • Needs access to the rope endYes
Open guide →