The Constrictor Knot

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How to tie the Constrictor Knot

Form a loop between your hands by twisting the rope. Now grip the junction and continue twisting. The hanging loop becomes a figure of eight. Continue twisting and the two ends of the figure of eight become separate loops which rise up either side of the rope to form the Constrictor Knot.

More details about the The Constrictor Knot

The Constrictor Knot

Uses: The Constrictor Knot (ABOK # 1188, p 216.) deserves to be much more widely known and used. It is an excellent quick temporary whipping for a fraying rope's end. It securely ties the neck of a sack or bag, and I have often used it to hold items together for gluing.

Virtues: Its great virtues are that it can be tied quickly and it binds so that it can be almost impossible to untie. It fails is when tied against a flat surface - it requires a curved surface for the binding turn to grip the half hitch.

Alternative in the Loop: The picture (right) shows one alternative method of tying the constrictor. The initial loop can be laid out on the hand.

Alternative Using the End It is also possible to tie the Constrictor using the end (picture on Left). Essentially a Clove Hitch is formed first. Then a half hitch is formed under the binding turn by lifting the end over, and tucking it under, the adjacent strand.

Rope Size: The pictures here show the rope tied in large diameter rope. This is only for the photography. It is normally tied in twine or other small diameter line.

Disclaimer: Any activity that involves ropes is potentially hazardous. Lives may be at risk - possibly your own. Considerable attention and effort have been made to ensure that these descriptions are accurate. However, many critical factors cannot be controlled, including: the choice of materials; the age, size, and condition of ropes; and the accuracy with which these descriptions have been followed. No responsibility is accepted for incidents arising from the use of this material.

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