Two Half Hitches
Also called: round turn and two half hitches
A simple, secure way to tie a rope to a ring, post, or tarp corner, using two hitches around the standing part.
- Type
- Hitches
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Good for
- Camping, Hunting
What it is for
- Tying a tarp or guyline to a ring, grommet, or post
- Securing a rope to a tree
- A secure finish after a clove hitch
How to tie it
- Pass the working end around the post or through the ring.
- Bring the working end around the standing part and through the loop you just made. This is the first half hitch.
- Repeat in the same direction to make a second half hitch next to the first.
- Slide the hitches snug against the post and pull the standing part tight.
There are no diagrams on this page yet. Tie it along with the steps using a short piece of cord, and compare your result with a photograph or an instructor before you rely on it.
Tips
- For a heavier load, take a full extra turn around the post before the hitches. That is called a round turn and two half hitches.
- Make both hitches in the same direction so they form a neat, locking pair.
When not to trust it
- It can slip if the rope is slippery or the load jerks it.
- It is not adjustable under tension, so use a taut-line hitch for guylines you need to tighten.
- Check it after the load settles.
Often confused with
- Clove hitch: quick to tie but more likely to slip if the load shifts.
Field notes
Two half hitches is one of the most dependable general-purpose camp knots. It is easy to remember and works well on a ring, a tree, or a tarp grommet.
Related guides
This page explains how to tie an everyday knot. It is not training for climbing, rappelling, tree stand fall protection, or rescue. If a failure could injure someone, learn from a qualified instructor and use equipment rated for the job.