# Reevaluating the Bellringer Configuration: Toward a Stable, Self-Releasing Loop Structure Under Load
**URL:** https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753
**Category:** Practical Knots
**Created:** [19 August 2025 20:21 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753 "2025-08-19T20:21:35Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Axel](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/Axel)
#### Post date: [19 August 2025 20:21 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753/1 "2025-08-19T20:21:35Z")
# Hey folks—check this out
So I was messing around with some knots—specifically the Bellringer—and I realized something kind of cool. Most of you probably already know this, but just in case: the Bellringer _looks_ like it holds under load, but that’s more of an illusion. Once tension builds, it starts to collapse in on itself, and not in a good way. The more weight you add, the sketchier it gets.
Now compare that to a Bowline. It’s stable and strong—classic for a reason—but once you tie it, you’re not getting a slick auto-release. What I was hoping to find was something in between. Something that holds like a bowline, but lets go like the Bellringer _pretends_ to.
### Reverse Engineering
So here’s where it got interesting. In the usual Bellringer setup, the bight wants to collapse away from the standing end and toward the main loop, with nothing really stopping it except maybe some fussy positioning. That’s part of what makes it feel so unreliable under load.
But if you flip the loop—like, literally reverse the direction the bight goes through—and then pull on the standing end while the main loop carries a bit of weight, something cool happens: the bight starts falling toward the standing end instead. That’s the move.
At that point, I tried tucking the bight into the main loop—trying to get the bight to land in just the right spot so that the load pins it into place instead of pulling it free. And sure enough after playing around with the dressing, the load pulled everything tight. The tuck becomes the lock, and the only way to “unlock” it is by removing the tension and letting the bight escape. Just introduce a little slack, and it all comes apart cleanly.
The key was figuring out how to dress the whole thing just right—it’s subtle, but it makes all the difference. I put together a short video to show exactly how I do it.
The video shows the core shape of the knot and its most obvious use case. (It’s perfect for lowering multiple pieces of gear off a roof without having to make trip after trip up and down the ladder.) you cancan make multiple wraps around you object to increase friction, and still dress in fast and reliably.
[ ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wi6CG3DBWY)
### The Result
So this isn’t some revolutionary invention, but it _feels_ really solid. You get a loop that holds like a bowline—seriously, when dressed right, I even used it as an anchor point for a disappearing trucker’s hitch (non-critical) —and when the tension’s gone, it just… lets go. Like, flick-the-line-and-watch-it-fall-apart easy. It’s weirdly satisfying.
If you end up trying it out, let me and the others know what you think and what uses you find—or if you need help dialing in the dressing to get it to behave just right.
### Tips
- when you pull the bight through pull all the slack out of it int he direction you are going to pull the mainline… before pulling tension on the mainline you should almost be able to pick up the load just by pulling on the bight.have enough tension on the mainline so it doesn’t collapse though.
- If you have a HEAVY load or want to play around with the dispearing truckers hitch etc.. pull not just the bight, but the loop the bight sits in through the main loop. then dress as normal.(you’ll know when you get it.) if not let me know.
for the just show me the tied knot crowd..
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### Author:  [@SS369](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/SS369)
#### Post date: [20 August 2025 15:59 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753/2 "2025-08-20T15:59:14Z")
Hi Axel, thanks for sharing. There a few self releasing knots out there - not sure if your presented one is new, but it is new to you and that’s neat.
Welcome and keep them coming!
SS
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### Author:  [@Axel](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/Axel)
#### Post date: [20 August 2025 19:23 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753/3 "2025-08-20T19:23:23Z")
Thanks, SS! Yeah, fair enough — in the video I might’ve said I “discovered” it, blame the excitement of the moment, but really I just meant it’s new to me. I wouldn’t want to presume it’s truly new. Funny thing is I haven’t come across it documented anywhere, so I thought it be worth sharing. Please feel free to burst my bubble as I would love to know the actual name of this knot.
In any event, more to come.
Thanks for the warm welcome!
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### Author:  [@SS369](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/SS369)
#### Post date: [20 August 2025 20:36 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753/4 "2025-08-20T20:36:28Z")
You are welcome Axel!
Discovering / devising knots for yourself (and sharing) is what this is all about.
Not sure that any of the “self “ releasing knots have a name.
Perhaps someone else has some input.
SS
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### Author:  [@roo](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/roo)
#### Post date: [20 August 2025 21:58 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753/5 "2025-08-20T21:58:20Z")
I’ll have to play with it some more, but I noticed that after some moderate load cycling, the structure can capsize and spill.
There are some knots of this class that you may be interested in exploring:
[Load Releasing Slipped Buntline Hitch (third diagram)](https://knots.neocities.org/slippedbuntline)
[Tumbling Timber Hitch (third diagram)](https://knots.neocities.org/timberhitch)
[Tumble Hitch](https://knots.neocities.org/tumblehitch)
[Halter Hitch & Tumble Hitch](https://knots.neocities.org/haltersiberian)
[Trigger Bend](https://knots.neocities.org/triggerbend)
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### Author:  [@Dan\_Lehman](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/Dan_Lehman)
#### Post date: [20 August 2025 23:26 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753/6 "2025-08-20T23:26:19Z")
> the structure can capsize and spill
+1 !! It’s all it did for me, without some careful
dressing --which the OP has specified doing, to be fair.
I’d prefer a Bell-ringer’s knot of the Marlinespike Hitch
form, dressed such that the Returning Eye Leg, slipped to
provide a U-fold for bulk in the S.Part’s nip (and yes it
enables quick pull-the-Tail untying, but we’re aiming for
unaided-at-load-level untying, here!), will put the REL
loaded side of the U-fold away from the eye, Tail on eye side.
Your video’s quick dispatch of three not-nothing loads
is impressive; but I cannot see myself taking such
confidence in this Eye Knot.
The idea occurred to me to try to simulate use of
the Blackwall Hitch, which IMO looks to be something
akin to the use here, where a so-tied load can be
moved to be set on a landing and then the tension
in the hoisting line removed and some shaking should
drop the simple hitch. So, I made a mid-line EK
(actually, a simple slipped OH as per Trucker’s H.),
and Blackwall’d to a side of that. It … works OK,
I suppose, with a short Tail for easy shaking free.
–dl\*
/====
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### Author:  [@Axel](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/Axel)
#### Post date: [21 August 2025 14:07 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753/7 "2025-08-21T14:07:31Z")
Thanks for taking the time to watch the video and for noticing the non-trivial loads being used. The fact that it releases cleanly after load cycling is the whole feature—it’s designed to do exactly that. Under steady load it holds secure, and once that tension cycles or comes off, the bight slips free of the main loop and the whole structure collapses cleanly. It’s not meant to replace other fixed loop knots, but rather to be a more secure and predictable auto-release loop than the Bellringer.
Thanks again for testing it out! If it’s slipping for you even without cycling, it might come down to how it’s dressed or the type of rope. The main loop has to be set so it catches the bight under tension—otherwise it will just spill. For me it’s been solid under steady load, then releases once the tension cycles off. Could you describe how you’re loading it?
Really appreciate the feedback
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### Author:  [@Axel](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/Axel)
#### Post date: [23 August 2025 16:51 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753/8 "2025-08-23T16:51:38Z")
Anybody else having trouble getting the knot to hold?
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### Author:  [@SS369](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/SS369)
#### Post date: [23 August 2025 23:26 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753/9 "2025-08-23T23:26:41Z")
Axel, I didn’t experience any challenge with it holding. But, I do dress my knots carefully and taught.
And it is a knot that is supposed to release easily after carefully using.
SS
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### Author:  [@alana](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/alana)
#### Post date: [24 August 2025 00:31 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753/10 "2025-08-24T00:31:36Z")
pic: A. Axel’s tie, B. tail folded behind
Axel i did find that it needed a knack to keep it stable. not suitable for me as i’m not so finely-tuned, plus i won’t be on a rooftop 😊
anyway i had a go with the end of the cord folded behind. not twisted, as it’ll want to untwist. so with the end folded behind it did make it a little more sticky, i found. it crosses at the back. so, it’s a loop.
doesn’t work if folded (and crossed) to the ‘front’.
see how it goes for you?
Al
not really a comprehensive test. it’s fresh poly cord 3mm. hands-tested it.
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### Author:  [@Axel](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/Axel)
#### Post date: [27 August 2025 00:43 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753/11 "2025-08-27T00:43:09Z")
You’re right — that knack really does help, and I agree it’s a bit finicky to tie. However, that isn’t actually my knot. If it was just to illustrate the knack then fair enough, but while it looks similar, it’s not the same. If you look closely at the picture you can see the difference — and if you try to tie it like that Bellringer variation, it won’t really dress up properly.
At the end of my short video (yes, I get a little enthusiastic — thanks for your patience!) I show exactly how I tie it. I hope you’ll find it’s actually much easier to tie and that you’ll appreciate the difference. And your knack still works with my version too. 🙂
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### Author:  [@alana](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/alana)
#### Post date: [27 August 2025 05:31 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753/12 "2025-08-27T05:31:33Z")
oh, i have mis-tied it, public awks; see, this is why i don’t rig. not that anyone’s asking me to.
so i have had a go at tying it the correct way, it is sufficiently sticky, very good! ☺ you had illustrated and demonstrated it just fine, i had misread the photo.
loads and unloads of fun ! 🐘
sketchyknot for the win
also it would make an interesting sort of thief knot or wire, e.g ‘don’t touch my cup of tea.’
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### Author:  [@Axel](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/Axel)
#### Post date: [27 August 2025 18:49 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753/13 "2025-08-27T18:49:40Z")
Thanks so much for giving it another go, Alana — I’m really glad it worked for you this time! Your note about the “knack” was especially insightful; I’ll be keeping that in mind for future tying experiments.
I’m still exploring how this behaves in different setups, so if you (or anyone else) spot quirks, edge cases, or better ways to dress it or find successful use cases , I’d love to learn from that. Every little detail helps build a clearer picture.
Loads and unloads of fun 🐐 — sketchyknot for the win!
— Axel
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### Author:  [@Andreas1](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/Andreas1)
#### Post date: [29 August 2025 07:18 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753/14 "2025-08-29T07:18:59Z")
Reply to Dan..
Yes, works great as blackwall with short tail. Especially when the tail goes around the outgoing leg of the loop that it forms
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### Author:  [@alana](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/alana)
#### Post date: [29 August 2025 07:30 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753/15 "2025-08-29T07:30:28Z")
by ‘knack’, i meant just a bit of ‘finesse’! ☺
i had another go again and then had trouble with it!, does need to be carefully set, but once getting it in shape, with the tucked end made stable, i got it to hold.
could also function as a form of deadman’s switch
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### Author:  [@Dan\_Lehman](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/Dan_Lehman)
#### Post date: [29 August 2025 22:00 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753/16 "2025-08-29T22:00:26Z")
Note how short your tail is (at the Blackwall component)
–a longer tail will keep the HH together and frustrate
freeing the hitch from object (from above)!
So, it occurs to me --bereft play rope to try…–
were the Blackwall finished with a slip-bight (U-fold)
the tail of which perhaps held a to-serve-qua-weight
knobby stopper, then the relaxing of tension from above
might (“should” ?!) see that knob pull free the slip-bight!?
… off I go to the play rope(s).
Still, to the OP’s hitch, I regard it as dubious for any
risky work; use it with attention and care --you should
know what you want (that toggling/blocking effect. Ack,
flexible rope wraps more tightly but also capsizes more
readily; stiff rope … the opposite.
–dl\*
/====
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### Author:  [@alana](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/alana)
#### Post date: [30 August 2025 04:39 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753/17 "2025-08-30T04:39:29Z")
are you on public transport? 😁
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### Author:  [@alana](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/alana)
#### Post date: [30 August 2025 04:45 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753/18 "2025-08-30T04:45:35Z")
is that you, ‘clapperloop’ Andreas? 🔔
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### Author:  [@Andreas1](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/Andreas1)
#### Post date: [31 August 2025 05:59 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753/19 "2025-08-31T05:59:15Z")
Yes and yes alana )
…………………
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### Author:  [@Dan\_Lehman](https://discourse.igkt.net/u/Dan_Lehman)
#### Post date: [31 August 2025 16:28 UTC](https://discourse.igkt.net/t/reevaluating-the-bellringer-configuration-toward-a-stable-self-releasing-loop-structure-under-load/9753/20 "2025-08-31T16:28:43Z")
> were the Blackwall finished with a slip-bight (U-fold)
> the tail of which perhaps held a to-serve-qua-weight
> knobby stopper, then the relaxing of tension from above
> might (“should” ?!) see that knob pull free the slip-bight!?
Oops : yes, but that knobby stopper if freeing the
slip-tuck will block the release of the Blackwall Hitch.
\
Well, the general idea I think has merit :: have a loaded
(w/some knotted mass) toggle well nipped under load but
which on relaxing tension can pull out the U-fold toggle.
(-;
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