EStar Stopper

Tying procedure — EStar Stopper

1. Step 01 / 4

   Wrap the tail around the standing part and on around itself, then around the standing part again and under itself to form a buntline hitch. Keep it loose.

   You should now see: A loose buntline hitch on the standing part, the tail coming out from under its last wrap, and two open loops made by the wraps.

   If it goes wrong: Wrapping only around the standing part and not around the tail itself. There is then no buntline hitch to pass the tail through in the next step.

   Fix: Undo the wraps and start again: around the standing part, around the tail, around the standing part again, then under.

   Why: The buntline holds the tail and the standing part against each other. The harder the pull, the more tightly the two are forced together.

   Step 1 of 4 · move 1 of 1

   Bring the working end around in a wide loop beside the standing part

   Hold: Left hand holds the standing part straight

   Move: Right hand swings the working end out and back down beside it

   You should now see: A wide loop, with the working end lying beside the standing part and not crossing it.

2. Step 02 / 4

   Pass the tail back through the buntline hitch you have just formed.

   You should now see: The tail running through the buntline hitch, with the two loops from the first wraps still open beside it.

   If it goes wrong: Tying a figure-8 and calling it an EStar. A figure-8 has no buntline hitch, so there is nothing for the tail to pass through at this step.

   Fix: Untie it and start again from the wraps in step 1.

   Why: Evans Starzinger described this knot after testing several stoppers, and it was the only one of them that did not slip in Dyneema.

   Step 2 of 4 · move 1 of 2

   Make one loose turn around the standing part

   Hold: Left hand keeps the standing part from bending

   Move: Right hand wraps the working end once, leaving the turn open

3. Step 2 of 4 · move 2 of 2

   Add the inside turn to finish a loose buntline

   Hold: Left hand keeps the first turn from rolling

   Move: Right hand crosses upward and makes the second turn above the first

   You should now see: Two open turns, the second one above the first: a loose buntline on the standing part.

4. Step 03 / 4

   Carry the tail across the knot and through both of the loops made by the first wraps.

   You should now see: The tail crossing the body of the knot and coming out through both loops, held by wraps on each side.

   If it goes wrong: Threading the tail through only one loop. The body stays soft and can be worked open with your fingers.

   Fix: Back the tail out and pass it through both loops.

   Why: Those two loops grip the tail the way an EStar hitch grips, while the buntline presses the tail and the standing part together.

   Step 3 of 4 · move 1 of 1

   Pass the tail back up through both loops

   Hold: Left hand holds both loops open

   Move: Right hand threads the tail up through the lower loop and then the upper

   You should now see: The tail comes out above the hitch after one pass through both loops.

5. Step 04 / 4

   Tighten in order: pull the buntline snug, then the standing part, and last the tail. Check the finished knot against the opening it has to stop at.

   You should now see: A compact, slightly lopsided knot that stays firm when you squeeze it, does not move under a hard pull and will not fit through the opening.

   If it goes wrong: Skipping the tightening order, so the buntline stays loose and the knot feels soft when squeezed. A soft knot can pull through the opening. Using it to join two ropes is also outside its job.

   Fix: Loosen it and tighten again in order. If it still fits the opening, it is too small for that fitting. To join two HMPE ropes, splice them.

   Why: Expect to cut it off later. Animated Knots notes it cannot be untied after heavy loading.

   Step 4 of 4 · move 1 of 1

   Cross the tail over and pass it down through both loops

   Hold: Left hand keeps the first pass in place

   Move: Right hand crosses the tail and threads it down through both loops

   You should now see: The tail leaves below the hitch. Each loop now holds two passes of the tail.