Tumble hitch

Updated on Dec 31, 2024

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Category Hitch Caveat potentially unstable		Releasing Non-jamming

Names Tumble hitch, a better Highwayman's hitch, Bank Robbers Knot, Getaway hitch or Quick-release knot Related Highwayman's hitch, Mooring hitch Typical use Quick-release, draw loop hitch

The tumble hitch is a quick-release draw loop knot used for temporarily securing a rope such that it can be released easily and cleanly. The hitch can be untied with a tug of the working end, even when under tension. The tumble hitch can be tied in the middle of a rope, and so the working end does not need to be passed around the anchor when tying or releasing.

The Notable Knot Index recommends the tumble hitch as a more stable hitch than the highwayman's hitch. It is a similar hitch, but less prone to capsizing because the standing part remains passive and the locking is done by two successive bights of the working part being pushed into the previous bight thus locking it.

Usually two locking turns (as in the pictures here) suffice for a knot secure enough for most purposes, but more may be added as needed. The way the working part wraps the standing part can also vary to offer higher levels of strength. Several variations of the tumble hitch exist:

No wrapping of the standing part, wrapping only around the post/pole/beam

Crossing over the standing part, then wrapping around the post/pole/beam as in the pictures (better hold)

Wrapping the standing part half a turn, then wrapping around the post/pole/beam (even better hold)

wrapping the standing part a full turn, then wrapping around the post/pole/beam (even better hold than the previous one)

etc..

Tying

Tying sequence for one variant of the tumble hitch:

References

Tumble hitch Wikipedia

(Text) CC BY-SA