Magnus Hitch

The Magnus Hitch is used to tie rope to another rope, pole, or spar.

It’s perfect when the length of the line needs to be periodically adjusted to maintain tension.

If you know the Rolling Hitch, you are already halfway there. You tie it nearly the same way—just reverse the direction of the final Hitch.

The biggest visual difference? Both ends of the ropes exit in the same direction, like in the Lark’s Head.

Let’s learn it in detail.

How to Tie the Magnus Hitch Knot

1. Wrap the rope around the object.
2. Bring the working end towards the direction of pull and place it between the standing part and the object.
3. Make another wrap around the object. The wrap moves towards the direction of pull. Bring the working end over the standing part away from the direction of pull.
4. Tie a Half Hitch Knot.
5. Tighten the knot.

Application and Uses

• Secure fenders to the rails on a boat.
• Adjust the tension of the guy lines and the ridgeline on a tarp or tent.
• Tie the rope to another rope for a lengthwise pull as it resists torsion and will not twist.

The Rolling Hitch Confusion?

Before the term Rolling Hitch came into use, it was known by a different name called the “Magnus Hitch.”

In 1841, Richard Henry Dana published a book, “The Seaman’s Friend.” 

He used the name Rolling Hitch in his work, and the subsequent writers have continued to follow him.

Later, Ashley stepped in and sorted things out. In the Ashley Book of Knots, you’ll find:

• Rolling Hitch 1 (ABoK #1734)
• Rolling Hitch 2 (ABoK #1735)
• Magnus Hitch (ABok #1736)

So, now they are listed as separate knots. No more confusion!

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy to tie and untie
• Resist torsion better than the Rolling Hitch

Cons

• Can be tricky to tighten
• Can slip with modern synthetic ropes.

Liked the article? Bookmark it for future reference or share it with your knot-tying friend!