Double Half-Hitch

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The double half-hitch is commonly used to tie a line to a post or rail, or to start or finish a lashing.  This knot will slide, resulting in a tight grip on the post.  The knot can slip apart under high stress loads so it should NOT be used for "mission-critical" things like tying a probe. This knot has a redeeming feature - it rarely jams! On average, any knot will reduce the breaking strength of any line or rope by at least 15%.  The double half-hitch reduces the line breaking strength by 25%.

To tie a double half hitch:

1. After coming around the post, make an underhand loop (the loop goes under the loaded or standing part, i.e., the attached or long end of the line.)
2. Bring the free end up over the standing part and through the eye which you created.
3. Next make a second underhand loop around the standing part, and run the free end through this eye.
4. Tighten it up.

Superior to a Clove Hitch for starting and finishing a lashing as the half hitches prevent this knot from unrolling, as they have the effect of locking the knot. The Clove Hitch is easier and faster to tie, but it has a tendency to unroll, and can be difficult to tie tightly when tying off.

A better but more advanced knot for lashing is the Taught Line.