The knot has several features which allow a rope to be shortened: A sheepshank knot may be constructed as follows: ... An alternative method for quickly constructing a sheepshank is as follows: The result is a flattened loop which is held at each end by a half hitch.

Sheepshank knots are typically used for securing loads to trucks or trailers, and in sailing applications.

While holding sufficient tension on the sheepshank so it will not slip out, the middle rope is sliced.

This variant of the sheepshank knot appeared in an episode of the TV show Man vs. Wild.

A simpler variant of the sheepshank wherein a half-hitch is only tied around only one end produces a bell-ringer's knot (ABoK #1147).