HitchIntermediate

Anchor bend

Get to know Anchor bend: what it does, when to use it, what to check and the mistakes to avoid.

Fisherman's bend

1The knot in plain words

In one sentence…

The anchor bend ties a line to a ring: a round turn, then a half hitch tucked under the turns to lock it.

What does it do?

It makes a line fast to a ring, shackle or eye. The first half hitch passes under the round turn, so the turns grip it.

When do I use it?

To tie an anchor line to the anchor or its chain, or a buoy rope to a mooring buoy.

How is it different?

It looks like a round turn and two half hitches, but here the turns lock the first hitch.

When not?

When you must cast off fast after a very heavy pull: then it can jam. On a permanent tie, secure the tail.

2Knot ID card

Knot family: Hitch (despite its name)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Holds a steady load: Yes, the pull presses it onto the ring
Unties after load: Usually, after moderate loads
Weak point: Can jam after very heavy loads
Also called: Fisherman's bend

3How to check it

Step-by-step tying is being checked on real rope before we publish it. Until then, use the illustration and the checks below.

There is a full round turn through the ring, not a single pass.
The first half hitch passes under both turns, next to the ring.
A second half hitch sits on the standing part.
The tail is long, or seized to the standing part on a permanent tie.

4Key points

1.
Anchor bend = round turn + a half hitch tucked under the turns.
2.
Finish with a second half hitch around the standing part.
3.
On an anchor rigged for a long time, seize the tail.
4.
After a very heavy load it can jam, so allow time to untie it.

5Frequent mistakes

Mistake: Taking the first half hitch around the standing part only, outside the turns.
Correct: That's a round turn and two half hitches. For the anchor bend, tuck the first hitch under the round turn.
Mistake: Passing the end through the ring only once.
Correct: Go through twice to make a full round turn that grips the ring.
Mistake: Leaving a short, loose tail on an anchor line that stays rigged for months.
Correct: Leave a long tail and seize it to the standing part.

6Don't mix it up

7Questions sailors ask

What knot do you use to tie a rope to an anchor?

The anchor bend, also called the fisherman's bend. It's the accepted knot for tying an anchor line to the anchor or its chain.

What is the difference between an anchor bend and a round turn and two half hitches?

In the anchor bend the first half hitch is tucked under the round turn. In the round turn and two half hitches it only goes around the standing part.

Is the anchor bend really a bend?

No. Despite its name it's a hitch, because it ties a line to an object. The name comes from an old use of "bend" meaning simply to tie on.

Should I seize the end of an anchor bend?

For a permanent tie to an anchor or chain, yes. Seizing the tail to the standing part adds security.

8Test yourself

Question 1/4

What does the anchor bend tie a line to?

Test all knots in the knots exam →

Screen study teaches what the knot is for and how to check it. It doesn't prove you can tie it: practise with real rope, and never use these knots for climbing, rescue or anything that holds a person.

Sources

Content reviewed on September 21, 2026