Timber Hitch

The Timber hitch is used to tie a rope to cylindrical objects like a pole, tree or log.

It’s a very secure hitch that does not jam and when you need to untie, it comes undone in seconds.

Let’s dive into this hitch in detail.

Quick History

The Timber hitch is an ancient knot.

It was first mentioned in 1625. Originally it was used in nautical settings for lifting heavy cargo.

It was first time illustrated in 1761 and it has been in use ever since.

How to Tie a Timber Hitch

To tie this hitch you start by wrapping the rope around the object, loop the working end around the standing end and then wrap it back over itself a few times.

Tighten it up and—you’ve got a Timber hitch.

Here are the steps:

1. Pass the rope around the object.
2. Pass it around the standing part.
3. Wrap the working end multiple times around the rope.
4. Pull the standing end  to tighten the hitch

To untie, unwind the running loop from around the rope. The knot will come undone instantly.

The Ashley Book of Knots has mentioned that “Three tucks or turns are ample.”

This would have held true for the natural ropes but given the slippery nature of the synthetic fibers, five or more turns are recommended.

How to Tie the Timber Hitch the Correct Way

Most people tie this hitch wrong by wrapping the rope around the wrong leg.

Pro TIP: It’s all about the direction of the turn.

A common mistake occurs after passing the working end around the standing part.

So, instead of going through the standing end make sure the turns are made in the working part around itself.

It forms an eye for the standing part to run through if you have tied this right.

Pro TIP: Try Killick Hitch

If timber is to be hoisted on the end, place the Timber hitch below the center and add an additional Half hitch near the hauling end.

It helps to keep the load from twisting.

This combination is known as Killick hitch. It’s used to lift, drag and hoist objects like logs and planks.

Caution: Know When NOT to Use It

Now, let’s be clear: The Timber hitch is not for overhead lifting and it does not work as expected on smooth surfaces.

Always use enough loops (five turns or more) for security especially if you are using modern synthetic ropes.

It works best with the natural fiber ropes.

Friction makes this knot strong, so the hitch stays strong as long as there is tension in the rope.

Once the tension is released, the hitch can come loose.

Timber Hitch Knot Uses

In the Ashley Book of Knots, it is mentioned that this hitch was used in handling cargo during ancient days.

Nowadays, you can use it for various applications:

Arborist Work: Arborists and lumberjacks love it for securing ropes to tree trunks, branches or logs.

Setting up Campsites: It’s used to secure ridge lines for tarps, tents and clotheslines.

Old School Anchoring: Sailors would modify this hitch into a Killick’s hitch to anchor their ships.

Bowyer’s Knot: It’s used to attach the strings to the lower end of an English longbow and instruments like ukulele and guitar.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy to tie and untie even under the load
• Does not jam

Cons

• Secures only when there is tension on the knot

Other Timber Hitch Knots

Figure 8 Timber Hitch

According to Ashley’s Book of Knots, the Figure 8 Timber hitch (ABoK #1668) is as secure as the normal Timber hitch. And, it requires one less turn.

If you think your rope is weak but need to hoist heavy objects, tie a round turn on the standing end before the Figure 8 Timber hitch.

It adds to the strength of the knot.

Timber Hitch on a Bight

The Timber hitch on a bight helps to hitch away from the rope ends and without access to the ends of the hitching object.

Just take a long bight of rope and tie it similar to the Timber hitch.

The best thing about this hitch is: both parts of the ropes can take the full loading.

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