The Overhand Knot

The Overhand Knot is the simplest stopper knot and is quite possibly the first knot that most people learnt to tie, even if they don't remember when, where or how they did it. If this is the case with you the chances are you know how to tie it but did know what it's call. It is also known as the half knot or simply a knot.

Click the video link below to learn how to tie it and read no to understand more about the this knot.

When to use the Overhand Knot

The overhand knot is great for preventing any type of line from running through pulleys, cleats or exit blocks on mast or booms. It is best to use this when other stopper knots would result in a stopper which was is too large for job at hand or when a permanent stopper is required.

It is quick and easy to tie which makes it the first choice if you are in a hurry, it is also handy if you need to create stopper and you don't have a long tail to work with.

Things to watch out for with the Overhand Knot

The primary downside of the Overhand Knot is the difficultly you can have getting it undone after load it applied. After a moderate amount of pressure you will need a spike or pair of pliers to free it up. Please don't use your teeth to undo it as there is a chance it will be stronger than you teeth.

The other down side is that it does not make a large stopper when tied with thin line, always remember to test that the knot does easily pull through the exit point. If it does we suggest upgrading to a stopper knot with a bigger stopper, like the double overhand knot.

 

Conclusion 

The overhand knot is great knot when you need a permanent stopper which does not need a big knot end. Once tied it will rarely undo and is alway a great choice when you don't have a long tail to work with.

#overhandknot #halfknot #knowknots