HitchBeginnerEssential
Round turn and two half hitches
Get to know Round turn and two half hitches: what it does, when to use it, what to check and the mistakes to avoid.
Round turn with two half hitches
1The knot in plain words
In one sentence…
A round turn takes the strain, then two half hitches around the standing part lock the line to a ring, rail or post.
What does it do?
It ties a line to a ring, rail or post. The round turn holds the load; the half hitches keep it there.
When do I use it?
To moor to a ring or post, tie off a fender or make any line fast to a fixed fitting.
Why the round turn?
Two full wraps grip the fitting, so you can hold the load with one hand while you tie the hitches.
When not?
Where the line would chafe hard on a rough fitting without protection, or where you need a quick-release knot.
2Knot ID card
- Knot family
- Hitch
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Holds a steady load
- Yes, the round turn takes it
- Unties after load
- Yes, the hitches stay easy to undo
- Weak point
- Chafe where the turn bears
- Also called
- Round turn with two half hitches
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 on the fitting, not just a single turn.
Two half hitches sit on the standing part, both turning the same way.
The hitches are snug up against the round turn.
A clear tail sticks out beyond the second hitch.
4Key points
- 1.
Round turn = two full wraps that take the load.
- 2.
Then two half hitches, both in the same direction.
- 3.
Protect the line from chafe where it bears on the fitting.
- 4.
Easy to untie even after a heavy load.
5Frequent mistakes
Mistake: Stopping after only one half hitch.
Correct: Always add the second half hitch: one on its own can slip.
Mistake: Tying the two half hitches in opposite directions.
Correct: Turn both hitches the same way, so they form a clove hitch around the standing part.
Mistake: Taking a single turn instead of a full round turn.
Correct: Wrap the fitting twice: the round turn is what takes the strain.
6Don't mix it up
- Clove hitchThe clove hitch is faster, but it can slip under changing loads. The round turn and two half hitches is the better one to leave.Study it →
- Anchor bendThe anchor bend tucks the first hitch under the round turn itself: even more secure for an anchor or a buoy ring.Study it →
- Cleat hitchIf there's a horn cleat, use a cleat hitch instead.Study it →
7Questions sailors ask
What is a round turn and two half hitches used for?
To make a line fast to a ring, rail or post, for example when mooring to a ring on the dock or tying off a fender.
Round turn and two half hitches or clove hitch?
The clove hitch is quicker for a short, attended job. The round turn and two half hitches is more secure when the load changes.
Why take a round turn first?
The two wraps grip the fitting and take the load, so you can tie the half hitches without fighting the line.
Can I leave my boat tied with it?
It is a standard mooring hitch because it doesn't slip easily. Still, check it and protect the line from chafe.
8Test yourself
What takes most of the load in this knot?
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
- United States Coast Guard Auxiliary — Auxiliary Boat Crew Qualification Guide, Volume I
- United States Coast Guard Auxiliary — Boat Crew Handbook — Seamanship Fundamentals
- Middle Level Commissioners — Boating Basics Guide
- National Association of State Boating Law Administrators — National Boating Education Standards: Plus Sailing Technical Report
- University of Rijeka, Faculty of Maritime Studies — Hrvatsko-engleski pomorski rječnik
Content reviewed on September 21, 2026