A variety of passive stabilization techniques compatible with S‐1 inductive spheromak formation [Phys. Rev. Lett.46, 188 (1981)] has been evaluated for effectiveness against the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) tilting instability. A line‐tying stabilization effect has been previously identified theoretically. In the present work, the effects have been experimentally identified and investigated. The perturbed current patterns within passive stabilizing structures have been measured, and line‐tying currents have been identified. The simple ring model of tilting has been expanded to include line tying, and has provided estimates for growth rates which agree well with the measured values.