How to Tie a Reverse Half Hitch

The reverse half hitch is an elementary knot. It is commonly used for tying guy ropes to tent poles but is inferior to the taut line hitch in this regard. Read the following steps to learn how to tie a reverse half hitch.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Establish the proper orientation. This example will assume that the reverse half hitch will be used to tie the rope to a vertical pole.

2. Turn the working end of the rope around the pole from the right so that it comes out to the left. Pass the working end under the standing end and bring through the loop just created from the top.

3. Bring the working end around to the outside of the half hitch just created and bend it over the standing end. Pull it back under the standing end then push it under this second loop to complete the reverse half hitch.

4. Make a square knot. Twist two ends of rope together once so that rope A on the left goes behind and under rope B on the right. Bring the ends above this twist and make another twist in the opposite direction so that rope A again goes under and behind rope B.

5. Pull rope A straight as if it were a pole, the square knot will capsize so that rope B forms a reverse half hitch.

6. Compare the reverse half hitch to the double half hitch. These knots are the same except the direction of the second half hitch is reversed for the reversed half hitch.

7. Use the reversed half hitch for stringing tennis rackets. Although the double half hitch is generally considered more secure, some professional stringers claim the reverse half hitch is just as strong as the double half hitch and has a cleaner appearance.