How To Tie A Barrel Hitch Knot

The Barrel Hitch Knot is not as popular today as it once was. Most boaters don’t need to hoist barrels anymore. But the Barrel Hitch Knot is a simple and effective way to safely suspend any object.

In the Ashley Book Of Knots, Ashley describes this knot in two different ways (Ashley #2176 and #2177) and doesn’t give either of them an appropriate name. Over the years they’ve come to be known as barrel hitches: hitches that are ideal for transporting and hoisting a barrel in an upright position.

Uses for the Barrel Hitch Knot

The Barrel Hitch Knot was originally used for hoisting barrels. Barrel hoisting is uncommon today but there are contemporary uses for the knot. 

• Barrel Hitch Knots can be used to suspend potted plants in gardens or on balcones. n gardens and on balconies for suspending potted plants. 
• Hikers and bikers use this knot to suspend their drink bottles from their belts or rucksacks too.
• This knot can also be used for packing certain items and for the decorative presentation of gifts. 

How To Tie A Barrel Hitch Knot

To successfully learn how to tie the Barrel Hitch Knot, you’ll need a length of rope and something to act as the barrel. Use a small bucket or cup as an easy alternative.

Step One: Stand your barrel on top of a rope. Wrap each end of the rope around the barrel in a vertical direction.

Step Two: Tie a loose overhand knot over the top of the barrel.

Step Three: Open the knot, and spread it until it’s wide enough to surround the opening of the barrel.

Step Four: Secure the working ends with a Bowline Knot.

Things To Consider

Warnings

The Barrel Hitch Knot is designed to keep an object upright, but if the rope jerks unexpectedly, then it could become unstable and dislodge the sling, spilling the contents of the barrel or dropping the barrel completely. For the best results, locate it well above the barrel’s center of gravity, but below the top of the barrel.

Variations

The Barrel Hitch Knot can also be tied by laying the rope out on a flat surface and tying it into an overhand knot. Maneuver the overhand knot and rope into a figure of eight shape. Place your barrel in the center, and tighten the rope around it to make the same knot. We’ve always found this method to be more trouble than it’s worth.

Alternatives

If orientation doesn’t matter then the Barrel Sling Knot can be used. This method involves laying the barrel on its side, with the rope forming a loop around the barrel like a sling, similar to the Cow Hitch or Bale Sling. This is quite a useful barrel hoisting method and very easy to tie, but it has limited uses for the modern boater. Especially when there are plenty of other knots to learn instead.

The Bottom Line

Although the original need for the Barrel Sling Knot is not as relevant in the modern age, it can still be useful for boaters and in everyday life. When tied properly it can be a strong and versatile knot.