Hitches
Constrictor Knot
DIFFICULTY ●●○○○
A clove hitch with one extra tuck that traps the crossing turn. The result grips like a hose clamp made of string — many consider it the best binding knot there is.
See it tied step-by-step ↗Why it earns its place
Once tightened on a convex surface it essentially will not budge. Perfect for whipping rope ends, sealing bags, clamping split hosepipe, or holding bundles for gluing.
Where it fails
Genuinely semi-permanent: tightened hard on soft material, the usual way off is a knife. Never use it where you'll need to untie, and never on anything it could crush.
Quick facts
| Type | Binding knot |
| Under load | Extreme grip |
| Untying | Often impossible |
| Best for | Permanent binding, whipping |