A tight binding knot for gathering or clamping material.
Also known as Constrictor knot.
The constrictor is a binding knot that traps its ends beneath a crossing turn. It resembles a clove hitch at first, but the extra interlocking tuck makes a much firmer binding. A curved support allows the knot to squeeze and hold its own crossing.
It is useful where the binding can stay in place or be cut away afterward. Do not confuse that purpose with an attachment that should release readily. On an unsuitable flat or irregular surface, the knot may not develop the same grip.
When to use it
Close a sack; bind a bundle; temporarily stop a rope end from fraying.
Keep in mind
Needs a curved surface and can be very difficult to untie.
Check your knot
- The final tuck makes the interlock beneath the crossing turn.
- The binding bears against a curved surface.
- Both ends are drawn evenly to set it.