The Sailor’s Hitch is a secure knot that is used to tie a rope to an object or another rope.
It’s used for a lengthwise pull along an object or a rope.
What makes it reliable is that it tightens up on its own without much effort and stays strong and secure without jamming.
Let’s learn it in detail.
Sailor’s Hitch Knot Details
Type: Hitch
Other Names: NA
ABoK Reference: NA
How to Tie a Sailor’s Hitch
- Wrap the rope around the object two times so that the turns cross each other.
- Pass the working end over the standing line.
- Wrap it around the object in the opposite direction.
- Feed it through the loops.
- Tighten the knot.
Want a quick-release version of the sailor’s Hitch? When finishing the knot, feed the bight through at the final step. It’s called the Slipped Sailor’s Hitch.
Gripping Sailor’s Hitch
The Gripping Sailor’s Hitch is the gripping version of the Sailor’s Hitch.
It’s tied by winding the rope around the post many times, unlike the Sailor’s Hitch, which has only one turn.
These extra turns increase the friction and holding power.
It’s perfect for the lengthwise pull of the rope to another rope, or a pole, boom, or spar.
Many sailors say it performs better than the Rolling Hitch and even the Icicle Hitch.
Pros & Cons
- Strong and secure.
- Does not jam, even after heavy loading.
- Fits perfectly with the size of the object it’s tied to.
- Might wear out the rope in dynamic loading conditions.
- Security may decrease with increased diameter of the rope.
Application and Uses
The Sailor’s Hitch is a smart way to tie one rope to another or to secure a rope to an object. It’s used to tension a line by attaching a small rope to a larger one, similar to the Rolling Hitch.
It’s commonly used in the following applications:
- Search and rescue
- Sailing
- Camping
- Scouting
- Mountaineering
Other Similar Friction Hitches
Rolling Hitch
The Rolling Hitch is the commonly used friction hitch.
It grips well and tends to slip under heavy loads and when tied under slippery surfaces.
The Icicle Hitch performs better than the Rolling Hitch for smooth surfaces.
Icicle Hitch
The Icicle Hitch is one of the strongest friction hitches that can be used for the lengthwise pull of objects.
It provides a strong grip and does not slip even on the tapered and slippery surface.
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