Valuable knot usually used for securing loads or tarpaulins. VIDEO Trucker’s Hitch Details Found in: Arborist, Boating, Hitches, Household, Scouting Also known as: Harvester’s Hitch, Haymaker’s Hitch, Lorry Knot, Power Cinch Knot Use: The Trucker’s Hitch, known as the Power Cinch Knot, Lorry Knot, Haymaker’s Hitch, or Harvester’s Hitch (ABOK # 2124, p. 344), is unique. It gives you a mechanical advantage […]
Category: Arborist Knots
Zeppelin Bend
Joins two ropes and avoids the risk of jamming. VIDEO Zeppelin Bend Details Found in: Arborist, Bends, Boating, Climbing Uses: The Zeppelin Bend is one of the bends employing interlocking overhand knots. You can untie this reliable bend even after heavy loading, but you cannot untie it while it is still under load. It’s a great choice compared to the […]
Timber Hitch
Simple knot commonly used for towing a log. VIDEO Timber Hitch Details Found in: Arborist, Horse & Farm, Scouting Also known as: Countryman’s Knot. , Lumberman’s Knot Origin: The Timber Hitch is often used for cargo. According to (Ashley ABOK #1665, p. 290), it’s very handy. It comes apart with little effort when the pull stops. Uses: The Timber Hitch is […]
Sheet Bend
Joins two ropes of unequal, or similar, size VIDEO Sheet Bend Details Found in: Arborist, Basics, Bends, Hitches, Horse & Farm, Scouting Also known as: Weaver’s Knot Uses: Experts recommend using the Sheet Bend (ABOK # 1431, p 262) or Weaver’s Knot (ABOK # 485, p 78) to join two ropes of unequal size. Use the thicker rope for the simple bight as […]
Prusik Knot
Symmetrical 3-turn slide and grip (friction) knot. VIDEO Prusik Knot Details Found in: Arborist, Climbing, Hitches, Search & Rescue, Slide & Grip Also known as: Triple Sliding Hitch History: Dr. Karl Prusik created the Prusik Knot in 1931. He was a former president of the Austrian Mountaineering Club. It is often misspelled as “Prussik.” It looks like a knot that Ashley described […]
Poacher’s Knot
Makes a very secure loop in the end of a piece of rope VIDEO Poacher’s Knot Details Found in: Arborist, End Loops Also known as: Double Overhand Noose, Strangle Snare History: The Poacher’s Knot (ABOK # 409, p 65.) is described by Ashley as made of horsehair and used to trap Woodcock or Partridge. It is hard to imagine […]
Overhand Knot
The simplest of the Single-Strand Stopper Knots VIDEO Overhand Knot Details Found in: Arborist, Basics, Stoppers Uses: Ashley called the Overhand Knot (ABOK # 46, p 14) “the simplest of the Single-Strand Stopper Knots.” It also stops the end of a rope from unraveling. Comparison: The animation shows the close similarity between: Double Overhand Knot: The first turn is often followed […]
Heaving Line Knot
Weights end of a rope to make it carry further when thrown. VIDEO Heaving Line Knot Details Found in: Arborist, Boating Uses: The Heaving Line Knot (ABOK # 538, p 88) is one of several such knots described by Ashley. It creates a simple knot that feels heavy and has a noticeable weight. The Heaving Line Knot […]
Half Hitch Knot
Used to tie rope around an object and back to itself. VIDEO Half Hitch Knot Details Found in: Arborist, Basics, Scouting Uses: Ashley described the Half Hitch Knot (ABOK # 50, p 14) as “one end of a rope going around an object and securing to its own standing part with a Single Hitch.” Comparison: The animation shows the close […]
Girth Hitch
Uses a webbing loop sling to attach item to harness. VIDEO Girth Hitch Details Found in: Arborist, Climbing, Search & Rescue Also known as: Bale Sling Hitch, Strap Hitch Purpose: The Girth Hitch (Strap Hitch, Bale Sling Hitch, Ring Hitch) (ABOK # 1694, p 294) attaches a sling to a bar, ring, or another sling. Names: It looks like the Cow […]
Double Fisherman’s Bend
Securely joins two ropes of similar size. VIDEO Double Fisherman’s Bend Details Found in: Arborist, Bends, Climbing, Scouting, Search & Rescue Also known as: Grapevine Bend Structure: The Double Fisherman’s, or Grapevine, Bend (ABOK # 294, p 50.) consists of two Strangle Knots. They tie around each other’s standing end, like double overhand knots. But, because another line creates it, this structure may […]
Cow Hitch – End Method
Temporary hitch for a light load or animal. VIDEO Cow Hitch – End Method Details Found in: Arborist, Hitches, Horse & Farm Also known as: Lanyard Hitch, Lark’s Head Alternative: Besides to threading the end, you can tie the Cow Hitch using loops. Description: The Cow Hitch, also known as the Lanyard Hitch (ABOK # 1673, p 290), is like the […]
Coil Unattached Rope
Secure and neat rope storage, minimizes tangles and twists. VIDEO Coil Unattached Rope Details Found in: Arborist, Rope Care, Scouting Uses: A free, or unattached, rope (like a climbing rope) is best stored in a neat coil. You should secure the Rope Coil well. This keeps it tidy and ready for quick use without tangles or twists. Read […]
Clove Hitch – Rope End
Temporary hold, e.g., stage scenery or mooring buoy VIDEO Clove Hitch – Rope End Details Found in: Arborist, Boating, Climbing, Hitches, Horse & Farm, Household, Scouting, Search & Rescue Tying options: half hitches, using loops Alternatives: You can tie the Clove Hitch in a few ways. You can use Threading the End, Half Hitches, or Stacked Loops. Caution: The Clove Hitch (ABOK # 1245, p 224) was […]
Bowline Knot
Reasonably secure loop in a rope’s end – and easy to undo VIDEO Bowline Knot Details Found in: Arborist, Boating, Climbing, End Loops, Horse & Farm, Household, Scouting, Search & Rescue Uses: The Bowline (ABOK # 1010, p 186) creates a secure loop at the end of a piece of rope. It has many uses, e.g., to fasten a mooring line to a ring […]
Basket Hitch
A webbing loop thrown over a branch provides an anchor. VIDEO Basket Hitch Details Found in: Arborist, Hitches Uses: The Basket Hitch employs a closed loop made of rope or webbing, as shown in the animation. It hoists a load or provides an anchor point. When someone uses the Basket Hitch to hoist a load, the load risks […]
Anchor Hitch
Excellent knot to attach an anchor line to an anchor. VIDEO Anchor Hitch Details Found in: Arborist, Boating, Hitches Also known as: Fisherman’s Hitch Uses: The Anchor Hitch or Anchor Bend, (ABOK # 1841, p 309) is also known as the Fisherman’s Hitch or Fisherman’sBend. It is an excellent knot to use for attaching an anchor line to an anchor. […]
Figure 8 Knot
Non-binding, quick, and convenient stopper knot. Figure 8 Knot Details : Found in : Arborist, Basics, Boating, Horse & Farm, Scouting, Search & Rescue Also known as: Flemish Knot, Savoy Uses: The Figure 8 Knot(ABOK # 570, p 95.) provides a quick and convenient stopper knot to prevent a line from sliding out of sight, e.g., up inside the mast. Its strength is […]