This makes the knot very easy to tighten when both ends are pulled, and hold itself tight when tension is released from the lines. It looks a lot like a clove hitch, but it makes an extra pass under the starting line, which creates a twisted section bound down by an X. Then wrapping around the first line and exiting out the middle between the top part of the X. Easy step by step instructions for tying a constrictor knot in this guide. Note: If you make two loops instead of one and do everything else the same. The last two fingers of the right hand are still holding the rope, and pull on it (with the help of the right thumb and index finger) to tighten the knot (sixth picture). To tie this knot, you begin by laying the line on the left and crossing up to the top right.įrom there, straight down, passing on the outside of the starting lineĪnd around coming from the bottom right to the top left across the front. Fifth picture: the right hand drops the loop over the left thumb, completing the constrictor knot. I even used this knot to put pressure on a wound when I cut my finger while making rope fenders. I use this knot frequently when I'm splicing lines and don't have tape handy, or when I'm tying things up for a short period of time. Its ease of release does limit its range of use as it can not be used as a permanent knot (but a variation of this knot is permanent). This knot is very simple to tie, as well as easy to release. This knot lives up to its name! It will tighten down and bind items together like no other!
When you need to bind something together, there is no better knot to use than the constrictor knot.