The Pipe Hitch is used to pull a post straight up or to hoist a pipe or a beam.
It’s a strong, simple knot that does not slip, even on a smooth cylindrical pole or a rectangular object.
It’s a variation of the Round Turn and Two Half Hitches. You wrap the rope four or five times around an object and finish it off with a Clove Hitch around the standing line.
Let’s learn it in detail.
Pipe Hitch Details
Type: Hitch Knot
Other Names: Well Pipe Hitch
ABoK Reference: #504, #2047
How to Tie a Pipe Hitch Knot
- Make four or five turns around the post.
- Tie a Half Hitch knot around the standing line.
- Tie another Half Hitch Knot.
- Tighten the knot.
Pipe Hitch Knot Step by Step
Another Variation
There’s another version of the Pipe Hitch in the Ashley Book of Knots. It’s listed as ABoK #505.
It suggests that a sling can be wrapped around the pipe, similar to the method mentioned above, and the bights are clipped to the block.
You’ve got yourself a solid lifting rig.
Application and Uses
The Pipe Hitch is perfect when you need a secure grip on something smooth or heavy.
It’s often used for:
- Lifting poles or pipes
- Create a temporary attachment point, maybe for a hammock, tarp, or securing rope to a pipe or cylindrical object.
- Hosting heavy objects in construction or rigging.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to tie.
- Works well on slippery surfaces, suits cylindrical or rectangular poles.
- Doesn’t slip if tied right.
- May jam after heavy loading.
- Requires a large length of rope.
Other Similar Hitches
Icicle Hitch
The Icicle Hitch is another alternative if a lengthwise pull is needed.
It does not jam and grips well on the tapered and slippery stuff.
But it’s not as simple to tie or remember.
Pile Hitch
The Pile Hitch is not a substitute for the Pipe Hitch. They do different things.
The Pile hitch is used to attach the rope to a post.
It’s mentioned here just in case you were mixing things up.
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