The Rigger's Knot Tier List: Essential Knots & Hitches Ranked

Whether you're a seasoned rigger or just getting started in the trade, knowing your knots is non-negotiable. The right knot can mean the difference between a safe, efficient lift and a catastrophic failure. But not all knots are created equal — some are workhorses, some are showstoppers, and some are both. In this tier list, we rank the most essential knots and hitches used in professional rigging by three key criteria: reliability, ease of untying, and cool factor. Let's get into it.

🏆 S-Tier: The Bowline Knot

Reliability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Ease of Untying: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Cool Factor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If knots had a hall of fame, the Bowline would be the first inductee. Known as the "King of Knots," the Bowline creates a fixed loop at the end of a rope that will not slip or tighten under load — making it one of the most trusted knots in rigging, rescue, and sailing. It's strong, it's stable, and remarkably, it's easy to untie even after bearing a heavy load. The classic mnemonic — "the rabbit comes out of the hole, around the tree, and back down the hole" — makes it memorable and teachable. For riggers connecting slings, securing loads, or working at height, the Bowline is an everyday essential. It pairs perfectly with quality rigging hardware and rigging connectors for a complete, secure setup.

🥇 S-Tier: The Figure-8 Knot

Reliability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Ease of Untying: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Cool Factor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Figure-8 is the gold standard stopper knot and one of the most visually satisfying knots you'll ever tie. Used extensively in climbing, rescue operations, and rigging, the Figure-8 (and its follow-through variant) creates a strong, reliable loop that holds its shape under extreme loads. It's easy to inspect visually — a huge advantage in safety-critical environments — and while it can be a bit stubborn to untie after heavy loading, a little know-how goes a long way. The Figure-8 is a must-know for anyone working with rigging fundamentals.

🥈 A-Tier: The Clove Hitch

Reliability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Ease of Untying: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Cool Factor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Speed and simplicity are the Clove Hitch's superpowers. This two-loop hitch can be tied in seconds and is ideal for temporarily securing a rope to a post, beam, or ring. It's adjustable, quick to release, and holds well when the load is applied at a right angle to the anchor point. The caveat? It can slip if the load direction changes or if it's not under constant tension — so it's best used as a temporary or supplementary hitch rather than a primary load-bearing knot. For riggers who need to work fast and adjust on the fly, the Clove Hitch is a go-to. Explore our rigging connectors to find the right hardware to pair with this hitch.

🥈 A-Tier: Round Turn and Two Half Hitches

Reliability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Ease of Untying: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Cool Factor: ⭐⭐⭐

Don't let the unglamorous name fool you — the Round Turn and Two Half Hitches is one of the most reliable hitches in a rigger's arsenal. The round turn distributes the load across the anchor point and gives you control before you lock it off with two half hitches. It holds exceptionally well under sustained loads and is easy to untie even after heavy use. It's not the flashiest knot on this list, but it's the kind of dependable workhorse that gets the job done safely every time. This hitch is especially useful when working with overhead crane and rigging applications.

🥉 B-Tier: The Sheet Bend

Reliability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Ease of Untying: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Cool Factor: ⭐⭐⭐

Need to join two ropes of different diameters? The Sheet Bend is your answer. This classic joining knot is efficient, relatively easy to tie, and holds well when the ropes are under tension. It's not ideal for critical load-bearing applications on its own, but for extending rope lengths or connecting dissimilar lines in the field, it's invaluable. A Double Sheet Bend adds extra security for more demanding situations. Every rigger should have this one in their toolkit — it's the kind of knot that saves the day when you're short on rope. Learn more about safe rigging practices through our Intermediate Rigging resources.

🌟 Wildcard: The Prusik Knot

Reliability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Ease of Untying: ⭐⭐⭐ | Cool Factor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Prusik is the wildcard of this tier list — a friction hitch that grips tight under load but slides freely when unweighted. Originally developed for mountaineering, the Prusik has found its way into rigging, rescue, and rope access work because of its unique mechanical advantage. It's a knot that almost feels like it shouldn't work — until it does, perfectly, every time. The cool factor is off the charts: watching a Prusik lock up under load is genuinely impressive. The trade-off is that it can be tricky to untie after heavy loading and requires a loop of cord rather than a rope end. For advanced rigging techniques, check out our Rigging Inspections & Certifications page to ensure your team is qualified to use advanced hitches safely.

The Final Rankings

Know Your Knots. Rig with Confidence.

Mastering these six knots and hitches will make you a more capable, confident, and safe rigger. But knowing the knot is only half the equation — the other half is using the right hardware. From rigging connectors and rigging swivels to rigging hardware and rigging buttons, Hercules Lifting has everything you need to rig safely and efficiently.

Want to deepen your knowledge? Explore our training resources including Fundamentals of Rigging, Intermediate Rigging, Overhead Crane and Rigging, and Rigging Inspections & Certifications. Because the best riggers never stop learning.