Rolling Hitch

The Rolling hitch is a friction knot used to attach a rope to another rope or pole for a lengthwise pull rather than a perpendicular pull.

It’s a popular sailing knot that allows you to take the strain off another line or rope that is under tension.

It is closely related to the Clove hitch.

Let’s check this hitch in detail.

Rolling Hitch History

Before the term Rolling Hitch was coined, the knot was known as Magnus or Magner’s hitch.

In fact, it was used to refer to a different knot called the Round turn and two half hitches.

In 1841 Richard Henry Dana Richard Dana published a book, The Seaman’s Friend, and named the knot as we know it today.

In the Ashley Book of Knots, two variations has been mentioned: Rolling hitch 1 (ABoK #1734) and Rolling hitch 2 (ABoK #1735).

To clear out the confusion further, the Magnus hitch (ABoK #1736) refers to a different knot today.

We’ll stick to Ashley’s naming convention throughout the article.

How to Tie a Rolling Hitch Version 1

The Rolling hitch version 1 is used to attach rope to a pole.

It looks like a Clove Hitch with an extra turn at the beginning. If it is tied around the standing part to form a loop it forms a popular Taut line hitch.

It can be tied and untied under load as the wraps create the friction necessary for the grip.

1. Wrap the rope around the post
2. Make another wrap completing the round turn around an object. The wraps of the turn should continue in the direction of the pull
3. Cross the rope over the standing end
4. Add a half hitch knot
5. Tighten the knot.

PRO TIP: This version is less liable to slip when pulled in the direction of the round turn and not the other way around.

How to Tie a Rolling Hitch Version 2

The Rolling hitch Version 2 is used to attach a small-diameter rope to a large-diameter rope.

This is slightly more complicated as the first two turns are passed over the standing end of the rope.

Note: This version is tied against the object intentionally for animation purpose.

1. Pass the rope around the post
2. Cross the rope around the standing end
3. Make another cross around the standing end
4. Pass it from the last wrap
5. Tighten the knot.

PRO TIP: If there is a long tail end, you can tie this version with a bight instead of the rope’s end.

Magnus Hitch

Magnus Hitch (ABoK #1736) is a Rolling hitch version 1 with the final hitch made in the opposite direction.

It looks like Girth hitch with both ends emerging on the same side of the knot.

As Ashely mentions it, it tends to obviate torsion or twisting.

Pros and Cons

The Rolling hitch is a useful knot that is easy to tie.

It can be tied and untied under load. 

It does not bind and slip when tied and pulled correctly.

The downside of this knot is that it can slip under load in modern synthetic ropes that is stiff and slippery.

A study published on Practical sailor magazine concluded that this hitch is not secure with the modern slippery ropes. 

Icicle hitch is recommended as a replacement for the optimal performance.

Applications and Uses

Releasing Rope Tension

This knot is useful for sailors, who use it to release the strain on a sheet around a winch that has formed itself into a tangle or a riding turn that cannot be freed.

Adding Rope Tension

Need to tighten a washing line? Tie the Rolling hitch around the washing line and slide for instant tension without undoing the knot.

Hoisting or Hauling objects

It is one of the most used knots on construction sites, climbing and arboriculture for lifting cylindrical objects and tools.

Firefighters use this knot in the fire service to haul hoses aloft.

Hanging fenders

It is also a useful knot when you need to tie a fender to a stanchion or other vertical boat part.

Connecting two ropes

The Rolling hitch is used to attach two lines.

It forms an adjustable loop that is useful for making bracelets or necklaces.

There are other better alternatives bend knots in the form of a Double fisherman’s knot or Sheet bend.

Rolling Hitch vs Midshipman’s Hitch and Tautline Hitch

When Rolling hitch is tied around the standing part of the rope to form an adjustable loop, it is often referred to as a Tautline hitch, Midshipman’s hitch or other names.

Ashley shows this use as Midshipman’s Hitch (ABoK #1855), Rolling Hitch (ABoK #1856) and ABoK #1857.

Let’s check them one by one.

Midshipman’s Hitch

Midshipman’s hitch looks similar to the Rolling hitch version 2.

It has an Awning hitch that provides the strength to tie the knot under load.

It’s a popular knot used in sailing and if tied properly, it does not slip or jam.

Tautline Hitch

Tautline hitch looks like a Rolling hitch version 1 but is tied on the standing part of the rope.

The advantage of this knot over the Midshipman’s knot is that it is easily adjustable. It can be slid up and down the line and stays put when tension is applied.

That said, it is considered inferior to the Midshipman’s knot for sailing related tasks.

That’s it for this guide!

Which version of the Rolling hitch do you prefer? Do let us in the comments section!