How to Tie the Remote Release Hitch (Bell Ringer's Knot)
Usage
The Remote Release Hitch, also known as the Bell Ringer's Knot, is commonly used to secure a rope to an object with a quick-release mechanism in hoisting, bushcraft, and utility tasks. Compared to the Highwayman’s Hitch, it’s simpler to tie and release with a shake or tug, making it ideal for temporary ties. Its hands-free untying is valued, but it can slip if not set properly. This knot is a favorite for rigging and animal handling. For a 3D, step-by-step walkthrough before you try it in the field, the Knot IQ app can help.
Warning: This hitch parks slack — it is not a load-holding knot. It is built to spill completely the instant the free end is tugged or the line goes slack, and there is no strength test data for it in any source we have found. Never hang a life on it, and never hang anything you can't afford to drop. Never use it — or any self-releasing knot — to lift living things or hoist a load over people. Even a light load, dropped, can kill. Keep the free end where wind, traffic, or a curious hand cannot reach it, and keep the drop zone clear.
Why Learn the Remote Release Hitch (Bell Ringer's Knot)?
Its shake-loose design ensures rapid, hands-free release. This knot is a go-to for quick, temporary attachments in dynamic settings.
- Instant release: Unties with a tug or shake, no hands needed.
- Simple to tie: Forms quickly with minimal steps.
- Versatile use: Suits hoisting, bushcraft, or utility tasks.
- Minimal rope use: Creates an effective hitch with little cord.
- Field-friendly: Works in rugged or urgent conditions.
Common Uses
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Hoisting:
- Secures ropes for lifting gear you can afford to drop, releasing with a tug.
- Attaches such loads to pulleys for quick detachment, with nobody under the lift.
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Bushcraft:
- Ties temporary shelters or gear, untying instantly.
- Secures animal leads with hands-free release.
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Utility:
- Fastens ropes to posts for short-term tasks.
- Creates quick-release ties for household rigging.
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Other Names
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Notable Features
- Quick Release: Unties with a shake or tug, ideal for fast detachment.
- Easy to Tie: Requires minimal steps and effort.
- Low Rope Consumption: Uses a small amount of cord effectively.
- Field-Ready: Performs well in rugged outdoor environments.
Variations
It can be modified into the Safety Remote Release Hitch (catalogued in The Ashley Book of Knots) by adding a second hitch to resist bumps and slack moments, though this slows the shake-loose action. Where more security is wanted, that second hitch is the documented path — not a backup tied onto this form.
Similar Knots
Highwayman’s Hitch vs. Remote Release Hitch
The Highwayman’s Hitch is tied around the rail or post itself; the Bell Ringer’s lives entirely in the rope and holds nothing but its own parked slack.
- Pros: Also quick-release with a dramatic collapse for fast removal.
- Cons: More complex to tie and less suited for hands-free release.
Bear’s Grip Hitch vs. Remote Release Hitch
The Bear’s Grip Hitch holds a sustained load and still releases on command.
- Pros: Stronger grip for sustained loads with shake-loose feature.
- Cons: Less simple and requires more steps to tie.
Safety Remote Release Hitch vs. Remote Release Hitch
The Safety Remote Release Hitch adds a second half hitch above the first.
- Pros: Holds up better against wind, bumps, or passing traffic before it releases.
- Cons: Slightly slower to tie and to release than the plain single-hitch form.
History
The Remote Release Hitch, referenced in The Ashley Book of Knots (#1147), likely originated in maritime and bell-ringing contexts where ropes needed to be secured yet quickly released from a distance — Hasluck’s 1907 handbook independently describes and figures the same hitch, keeping a long bell rope’s slack off the belfry floor. Its simplicity and hands-free release made it a practical choice for hoisting and animal handling. Its modern use in bushcraft and utility tasks highlights its efficiency for temporary, rapid-release ties.
Security Level
The Remote Release Hitch holds only what it is meant to hold: parked slack that you want gone on one tug. Its single hitch releases the moment the free end is disturbed or tension drops, so it is not a load-holding hitch and there is no published strength test data for it. Nothing you would mind dropping should hang from it, and nothing at all should hang over a person. For a load that must stay put, use a knot built to hold it, such as the Anchor Hitch.
Downsides
- Accidental release: Sensitive to shakes or tugs, risking premature untying.
- Slipping risk: May loosen with slick ropes or without proper tension.
Structure
- Pass the rope around the object (e.g., post or ring).
- Form a loop with the working end and pass it over the standing line.
- Pull the loop through to create a slip knot around the object.
- Tighten the hitch by pulling the standing line, ensuring the loop is snug.
- Test by tugging the standing line to confirm it releases with a shake.
Pro Tip: Keep the slip loop tight to prevent premature release. Use a textured rope like nylon to improve grip on the object.
FAQ
Is the Remote Release Hitch strong enough for hoisting?
No. It is designed to spill completely the moment the free end is tugged or the line goes slack, and no strength test data for it exists in any source we have found. Never hang a life — or anything you can't afford to drop — on it, and never lift living things or hoist a load over people. If you must use a Bell Ringer's for gear you are willing to lose, use the two-hitch Safety version and keep the drop zone clear.
What’s the best rope for the Remote Release Hitch?
Nylon or polyester ropes with good grip, like 6-8mm, work well.
How does the Remote Release Hitch compare to the Highwayman’s Hitch?
The Remote Release is simpler and better for hands-free untying, but less dramatic.
Can the Remote Release Hitch be used in bushcraft?
Yes, it’s great for temporary shelters or animal leads needing quick release.
Why choose the Remote Release Hitch over a Bear’s Grip Hitch?
It’s faster to tie and releases hands-free, though less secure for sustained loads.
Important Notes on Safety
Common failure points include a loose slip loop or accidental tugs, which can cause premature release. Always verify the hitch is snug and secure before use, and never put a critical load on it.
Never hang a life, or anything you can't afford to drop, on this knot; never use it — or any self-releasing knot — to lift living things or hoist loads over people.
One tug on the free end, or one slack moment, releases it completely, so keep the tail out of reach and the drop zone clear. Check the rope for wear or slickness before tying. Ensure the slip loop is tight to prevent unintended release. Practice in low-stakes settings to master tying and releasing.
Check out The Bear Essentials knot-tying kit complete with a pocket guide and two practice ropes.
