Yes — the closest traditional nautical (naval/sailing) knot is the Bellringer’s Knot (Ashley Book of Knots #1147).It is a remote-release / auto-release hitch that holds securely while the line is under tension and spills free once that tension is removed (or with a light additional tug). Sailors and riggers have long used variations of it for lowering gear or tools from height and then retrieving the entire line without climbing back down or sending a second messenger line.
Bellringer’s Knot (also called Bell Ringer’s Knot or Half Sheepshank; Ashley Book of Knots #1147 and related entries)This is traditionally used to temporarily shorten a hanging rope (e.g., a church bell rope) so it stays off the floor. In modern use it is often adapted as a remote-release hitch that holds under tension and spills free when the line goes slack (or with a light tug). It is essentially the first half of a sheepshank.Important safety notes It is not a high-strength load-bearing knot. Use only for light to moderate temporary loads.
Practice the tying and release thoroughly with your actual rope and a safe test load.
Never use it for people, heavy critical loads, or anything where accidental release could cause injury or damage.
It can collapse if tightened unevenly.
Steps for the classic shortening version (mid-line)Form an overhand loop (a simple clockwise or counterclockwise twist that creates a small loop) in the standing part of the rope at the point where you want the shortening to begin.
Below that loop, form a bight (a U-shaped fold) in the rope.
Pass the bight up through the overhand loop.
Pull carefully and evenly on the appropriate parts to tighten and set the knot so the bight is nipped and held. The excess rope is now shortened and held up.
To release: Pull on the free/standing end or simply remove tension—the knot spills easily.Steps for the remote-release / auto-release hitch version (suited to lowering a load)This is the adaptation commonly shown for lowering an object (like your bucket) so the rope frees itself once the load is supported and the line goes slack:Pass the end of the rope through or around the object you want to lower (bucket handle, fixed loop, ring, etc.).
With the standing part (the long working line that will take the load), form an overhand loop (imagine the motion of turning a key to start a car).
In the working end (the short free end that went through the object), form a bight—a simple U-shaped fold.
Push that bight through the overhand loop you made in step 2 (typically a few inches through).
Hold the parts carefully and pull the standing line slowly and evenly to tighten. The knot should “bite” down on itself and hold under tension. Do not yank it tight quickly or it may collapse immediately.
Release: Once the load is fully supported (line goes slack) or you give a light tug/shake on the standing line, the bight slips free and the entire knot spills, releasing the rope so you can pull it back up.Tips for successTighten smoothly and gradually so the half-hitch part seats snugly against the standing part.
Keep the released bight long enough to be accessible if you need a deliberate tug.
A double version (two loops instead of one, with the bight passed through both) is more secure for heavier ropes.
Works best with flexible, somewhat grippy rope; very stiff or extremely slippery line can be less reliable.
Practice a few times on the ground first until the set and release feel consistent. This gives you a true single-line solution that matches the function you described.
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