How to Tie a Buntline Hitch Knot

The Buntline Hitch is a knot is used in the Rope Tree Swing project to fasten the rope from the tree branch to the chain link. This is a very secure knot that is not easily undone. The rope used in this example is 5/8 inch diameter braided polypropylene.

How to Tie a Buntline Hitch Knot

Step 1 – Tuck the rope into the metal link. Take a moment and confirm the orientation is correct as shown – it’s easy to start off backwards here.

Buntline Hitch – Step 1

Step 2 – Wrap working end of the rope around the standing part as shown.

Buntline Hitch – Step 2

Step 3 – Form a Figure 8.

Buntline Hitch – Step 3

Step 4 – Tuck the working end of the rope through the bottom of the Figure 8 to make a Half-Hitch knot.

Buntline Hitch – Step 4

Step 5 – Bring the working end back and tuck it through as shown to tie a 2nd Half-Hitch.

Buntline Hitch – Step 5

Step 6 – Progress thus far: two Half-Hitches.

Buntline Hitch – Step 6

Step 7 – Pull the rope tight to cinch up the knot.

Buntline Hitch – Step 7

Step 8 – Lay the working end of the rope to the right.

Buntline Hitch – Step 8

Step 9 – For extra security, tie a third Half-Hitch Knot and pull tight.

Buntline Hitch – Step 9

Completed Buntline Hitch Knot with an Extra Half-Hitch

Buntline Hitch with Extra Half-Hitch Knot

Take care,

Bob Jackson

5 Comments

Jim June 5, 2011 at 8:34 pm - Reply
Bob – thanks for posting this. I used the bowline knot you posted for the top around the tree limb, and then this knot at the bottom. Both came out perfect. Great job on the pictures, the visuals really helped.
M Stocksdale June 3, 2012 at 7:21 pm - Reply
Oops. I just realized that I didn’t use the buntline hitch to secure the link to the bottom section. I used the running bowline instead. Will that matter?
- Bob Jackson June 4, 2012 at 7:17 am - Reply
  The running bowline will also work for attaching the link, my main concern is the slip-knot aspect of the running bowline and the possibility of a child getting a finger or hand caught inside the knot causing an injury. The buntline hitch avoids pinch points.
Roy family June 24, 2013 at 11:49 am - Reply
Our swing works great, Thanks!
edward schroeder January 6, 2018 at 3:37 pm - Reply
Built the swing exactly as described. Like the Ashley stopper knot. My granddaughter heads for the swing when she visits.