Halyard Hitch
A compact rope-to-shackle attachment associated with sail halyards. The tail exits close to the shackle rather than pointing away.
See it tied step-by-step ↗Practice sequence
- Pass the rope end through the shackle.
- Wrap it twice around the standing part and return it through the opening next to the shackle.
- Dress and tighten with a generous tail; follow equipment-specific guidance for a working halyard.
Use the linked animation to check the crossings. These notes are for learning; climbing, rescue, and lifting require qualified instruction and equipment-specific procedures.
Which knot should you choose?
Compare with the Buntline Hitch for another compact hardware attachment; neither is convenient to untie under load.
Why it earns its place
Its short knot body can be useful where space around the attachment is limited.
Where it fails
It does not close properly around a large pole and may jam after loading. Do not copy a demonstration’s short tail for critical loads.
Quick facts
| Function | Rope attachment |
| Practice level | 3 / 5 (editorial rating) |
| Tutorial | Animated Knots by Grog |
Source and editorial notes
Reference: Animated Knots by Grog: Halyard Hitch. Source checked 2026-09-11. Selection advice and difficulty ratings are editorial judgments, not strength tests. How this guide is prepared.