The buntline hitch is a knot used for attaching a rope to an object. It is formed by passing the working end around an object, then making a clove hitch around the rope's standing part and taking care that the turns of the clove hitch progress towards the object rather than away from it. Secure and easily tied, the buntline hitch will jam when subjected to extreme loads. Given the knot's propensity to jam, it is often made in slipped form.
History
thumb|Untightened buntline hitch
Simple and effective, the buntline hitch dates to the age of sail, when it was used to secure buntlines to the foot of the sails on square-rigged ships. That the buntline hitch was the preferred knot speaks to its security and reliability. Once set, repeated jerking and slatting tend to tighten it further rather than loosen it. Its compact size allowed the foot of the sail to be drawn up as closely as possible to the buntline deadeyes on top of the yard.
It has gained in popularity in recent years due to its performance in slippery modern synthetic lines. If heavily loaded it can be difficult or impossible to untie without the aid of a marlinspike.
A buntline hitch may also be tied with an extra half turn for security: see highpoint hitch.
See also
- List of hitch knots
References
External links
- Buntline Hitch
- Slipped Buntline Hitch Variations
- Stunsail Tack Bend