How to Tie a Swivel

Co-authored by Michael Reynolds and Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: September 16, 2021 References

If you need to attach a swivel to fishing line, you can do so using your choice of a few different knots. You can tie a simple knot, an offshore swivel knot, or an improved clinch knot. Choose whichever you find the easiest, as all 3 should keep your line firmly attached to the swivel.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making a Simple Knot

1
Make a loop and thread it through the swivel. Fold the fishing line back over on itself about 4 inches (10 cm) from the end of the line to make a loop. Then, thread the loop through the swivel.^{[1]
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2
Push the swivel through the loop when making a basic knot. Wrap the loop around the line and tuck it through the hole that is created, as if you were going to tie a basic knot. Before you pull it tight, push the swivel through the original loop you made.^{[2]
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3
Tighten the knot. After pushing the swivel through the loop, hold the swivel in 1 hand and the line in the other. Pull both ends firmly to tighten the knot.^{[3]
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4
Trim the excess fishing line. Use scissors or a knife to trim the extra fishing line off. Be careful not to cut yourself!^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using an Offshore Swivel Knot

1
Loop the line through the swivel and twist the line. Thread 1 end of the fishing line through the swivel, then thread that same end back through the swivel to create a loop. Twist the loop once right above the swivel.^{[5]
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2
Fold the loop back over the line. Take the loop above the swivel and fold it back over the swivel so it overlaps the line. Put the fingers of 1 hand where the loop meets the line to hold it in place.^{[6]
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3
Push the swivel through the opening 3 to 6 times. Rotate or spin the swivel through the opening of the loop and line 3 to 6 times. Ensure the swivel makes a full rotation each time to create coils in the line.^{[7]
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4
Pull the line to create the knot. Hold the swivel in 1 hand and use the other hand to pull the line tight. This will cinch up the knot and secure the swivel to the line. There won’t be any excess that needs to be trimmed off.^{[8]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Tying the Improved Clinch Knot

1
Thread the line through the swivel and double it back. Thread 1 end of the line through the eye of the swivel. Pull about 6 inches (15 cm) of line through the swivel then double it back against itself so it’s folded over the swivel.^{[9]
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2
Twist the line 5 to 7 times and thread the end through the loop. Leave about 1 in (2.5 cm) of space between the swivel and the twists to create a loop. Twist the line 5 to 7 times, then bring the short end of the line through the loop just below the swivel.^{[10]
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3
Pull the short end and main line to tighten the knot. It can be helpful to moisten the short line so you can grip it easily. Pull both the short end and the main line to tighten the knot against the swivel, but be careful that the coils don’t overlap. Trim off any excess line.^{[11]
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Expert Q&A

Question

What's the best kind of knot to use to tie a swivel?

Michael Reynolds
Professional Fishing Instructor
Michael Reynolds is a Professional Fishing Instructor and the Owner of Long Beach, California Fishing Lessons by Michael Reynolds. In his over 40 years of fishing experience, Michael has become very knowledgeable about the variety of fishing methods and techniques. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge with beginners to experienced anglers. Michael has been guiding and teaching fishing for over five years and is licensed and bonded with the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW).

Michael Reynolds

Professional Fishing Instructor

Expert Answer

The fastest, easiest, strongest knot is the Palomar knot, but you can also use the uni knot, the improved clinch knot, and the San Diego jam knot.