How to Tie a Double Constrictor Hitch

A double constrictor hitch is the strongest and most secure of the simple hitches. It is commonly used in conditions where a single constrictor might slip as when tying it to a pipe or tube made from slippery material. The following steps will show how to tie a double constrictor hitch.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Hold the line in front of a horizontal pipe with the standing end hanging down. Pass the working end over the top of the pipe so that it lies along the seven and one o'clock diagonal.

2. Bring the working end back around to the front and wrap it over the front along the five and 11 o'clock diagonal. Wrap the working end around the pipe once more along this same diagonal. Work toward the standing end, ensuring the two turns do not overlap.

3. Pull the working end back around to the front from the bottom. It should be on the left side of the standing end so that the working end may then cross over the standing end.

4. Push the working end under the second wrap made in Step 2, back under the standing end and under the first wrap made in Step 2. Dress the double constrictor hitch by tightening the knots and snugging up the loops carefully.

5. Observe that the double constrictor is simply a single constrictor with an additional riding turn. Adding more than one riding turn does not make a constrictor hitch any stronger and just makes it more difficult to dress properly.

Resources

• More about tying knots on the Real Knots website