Groundline Hitch vs. Bag Knot vs. Constrictor

[knot4u]

As a hitch and a binder, I generally prefer the Bag Knot (ABOK #1244, #1674) over the Groundline (ABOK #1243) and the popular Constrictor (ABOK #1249).  As a hitch, the Bag Knot is more resistant to jostling and generally holds more securely.  I have also found the Bag Knot to be a more secure binder overall.

The Groundline is easier to untie, which is unimportant because the Bag Knot doesn't jam.  The Groundline tends to fall apart with excessive jostling.  For whatever reason, the Groundline gets its own Wikipedia entry, while the Bag Knot is hidden within a group of Miller's Knots.  Go figure.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground-line_hitch
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miller%27s_knot

The Constrictor has that temperamental top strand that has to stay in the right position for the Constrictor to work properly.  I would not consider using the Constrictor as a hitch.


Bag Knot (ABOK #1244, #1674)



Groundline (ABOK #1243, #1676)



Constrictor (ABOK #1249)

[Mike]

The picture you have posted for the "Bag knot"  looks like the "Snug Hitch" to me.

[knot4u]

The picture you have posted for the "Bag knot"  looks like the "Snug Hitch" to me.

Ashley calls #1244 the "Bag Knot".  Anyway, I posted the Ashley identification number so we don't have to waste time arguing over the name.

[Sweeney]

The Constrictor has that temperamental top strand that has to stay in the right position for the Constrictor to work properly.  I would not consider using the Constrictor as a hitch.

I agree - to me the strangle knot sits better and for what it's worth looks a lot neater. I have never used it as a hitch but a quick test around a rolling pin just now seems to indicate that it would hold pretty well. I do like the bag knot and often use it around the garden with support canes (not exactly risking life and limb but it works!)

Barry

[TMCD]

You're top picture, the Bag Knot, is a super hitch. It's the anchor hitch I use for my Trucker's Hitch on my boat trailer. It's never slipped one bit and I check it often. I refer to it as the Snug Hitch and prefer it over the Groudline and the Constrictor. It's great in the slipped form too.

[Mike]

I got the name from here which shows the "Bag Knot"  as something different.

Edit:  deleted bad link 8/1/11

[knot4u]

I got the name from here, which shows the "Bag Knot"  as something different.

The link doesn't work.  Anyway, it doesn't matter what it's called.  We can call it "Mike's Knot", as long as we know we're talking about ABOK #1244, #1674.

[DDK]

. . .  The Constrictor has that temperamental top strand that has to stay in the right position for the Constrictor to work properly.  I would not consider using the Constrictor as a hitch.  . . .

I have used the constrictor a number of times and it has always performed very well.  Once set, it has been stable and secure in my applications (in lashings, assorted hitches).

DDK

[Mike]

Hmm link works for me.  Anyways, i was just trying to make sure I had the correct orientation and was not tying the knot incorrectly.

[Dan_Lehman]

Hmm link works for me.

I got this:

Invalid Attachment specified. If you followed a valid link, please notify the administrator.


As for bag knots, the reverse groundline hitch is one that can
be put on without mush waste of material.  The one hand will
pinch the just-long-enough tail against the bag to hold
secure the initial half-hitch wrap, and then the other
hand will reeve the countering half-hitch to lock the first.
(A third can be put on, for added security.)  One can work
similarly with a clove hitch plus a 3rd half-hitch to lock.

--dl*
====

[DDK]

Hmm link works for me.

I got this:  Invalid Attachment specified. If you followed a valid link, please notify the administrator. . . .
--dl*
====

I got the same error message.  I think one may need to be logged into their site to access this link.  -- DDK

[Mike]

Here is the pic in the link i tried to post above.

[xarax]

http://igkt.net/sm/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1411.0;attach=502

[Dan_Lehman]

Thanks (to both) for getting that (remotely familiar) page of various
hitches/binders --nicely done to show similarities & differences.

I have some like for the "Blove" knot in that it can also be
tied fairly easily and efficiently; I see it as a structure to repeat
in place of French whipping's  repetition of Cloves
--or, more fundamentally, half-hitches .   My hope is that the
alternation of half-hitches & overhands  gives both some
stronger lock on their ends --the HH end will rise away from
the bound object to cross OVER its turn and then UNDER the
overhand whose end will rise up to cross OVER the next
half-hitch, jammed smartly into it.  (In practice, I'm not sure
that this enhanced nipping obtains.)

--dl*
====

[roo]

As a hitch and a binder, I generally prefer the Bag Knot (ABOK #1244, #1674) over the Groundline (ABOK #1243) and the popular Constrictor (ABOK #1249).  As a hitch, the Bag Knot is more resistant to jostling and generally holds more securely.  I have also found the Bag Knot to be a more secure binder overall.

The Groundline is easier to untie, which is unimportant because the Bag Knot doesn't jam.  The Groundline tends to fall apart with excessive jostling.  For whatever reason, the Groundline gets its own Wikipedia entry, while the Bag Knot is hidden within a group of Miller's Knots.  Go figure.

The ABoK 1674 is not without weaknesses.  As a hitch, it has problems when the spar to rope diameter ratio gets large and when using more elastic rope.

I've not had problems with the Constrictor Knot as a binder on a convex surface, and find that as a binder, it grips more tightly than the ABoK #1674.