Bowline

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The Bowline is used to make a fixed-size loop in a line, often to either provide a clipping point for a carabiner, or to tie directly to something to be hauled. The benefits of the bowline are in its loop that will not slip, and in its ability to be easily untied after being exposed to a heavy strain. On average, any knot will reduce the breaking strength of any line or rope by at least 15%.  The bowline reduces the line breaking strength by 25%.

To tie a bowline:

1. Begin with a small overhand loop (the direction is important - the loop goes over the loaded part, i.e., attached or long end of the line.)  Be sure to leave enough in the free end to form the loop.
2. Form the loop of desired size.
3. Pass the free end up through the small loop, around the standing part, and back through the small loop, this time going down.
4. Tighten it up.

You know you have it correct when the free end is in the inside of the loop.

A chant used by many to remember this knot is: "The rabbit comes out of the hole, round the tree, and back down the hole again", where the hole is the small loop, and the rabbit is the running end of the rope. Click HERE for more on this.

Tips

• Don't be afraid to use this knot to form a loop of any size in rope.
• To quickly identify if you have tied the Bowline normal or left handed, check to see that the running end exits the knot on the inside of the loop.
• For added security, finish the knot with a stop knot such as a Figure of Eight knot to remove any possibility of the Bowline slipping.