5 steps
Highwayman's Hitch
A draw hitch. A bight around the post, another bight through it, and the tag locking the second bight. Pull the tag and the whole hitch falls off.
Use it for
A draw hitch. A bight around the post, another bight through it, and the tag locking the second bight. Pull the tag and the whole hitch falls off.
This line
Rope, for a quick getaway from a post.
Avoid when
A mooring you must not release by accident. Use a cleat hitch.
All steps visible
Highwayman's Hitch
Step 1
Bight around the post.
Step 2
A second bight through the first.
Step 3
Tag through the second bight to lock.
Step 4
Snug the standing part.
Step 5
Pull the tag end to release all of it.
The drawing follows this tying order. Pause, step, or scrub to stay with the words. The standing line runs to the reel. The tag is the short end you trim. Skin-hook means the point lies flat in the plastic, not out where grass can grab it.
Common mistakes
- Loading the tag, which releases it.
- The locking bight pulled through.