Rolling hitch | |
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Names | Rolling hitch, Magnus hitch |
Category | Hitch |
Related | Taut-line hitch, Icicle hitch |
Typical use | Sailing |
ABoK | #503, #1190, #1465, #1681, #1734, #1735, #1736, #1791, #2555 |
The rolling hitch (or Magnus hitch) is a knot used to attach a rope to a rod, pole, or other rope. A simple friction hitch, it is used for lengthwise pull along an object rather than at right angles. The rolling hitch is designed to resist lengthwise movement for only a single direction of pull.[1]
A common usage while sailing is for rigging a stopper to relax the tension on a sheet so that a jammed winch or block can be cleared.
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In the late 18th Century the knot now known as the "rolling hitch" was called the Magnus or Magner's hitch, and the name rolling hitch referred to two round turns and two half hitches. In 1841 Richard Henry Dana, Jr. used the present-day names in his work The Seaman's Friend, and subsequent authors have continued to use this terminology.[1][2]
There are two slightly different hitches commonly known by the name of "rolling hitch". The Ashley Book of Knots identifies these two variations as "Rolling Hitch(1)" and "Rolling Hitch(2)" and numbers them #1734 and #1735, respectively. Despite the potential for confusion with the older usage, Ashley chose the name "Magnus Hitch" to refer to knot #1736, which is simply #1734 tied with the final hitch made in the opposite direction.[3] Since two distinct variations of the rolling hitch are widely referred to by the same name, and Magnus hitch now may refer to a different knot than it used to, the use of Ashley reference numbers for these related hitches can eliminate ambiguity when required. These hitches are pictured at the right.
Although some sources fail to differentiate by using a separate name, when a rolling hitch or Magnus hitch is tied around the standing part of the rope to form an adjustable loop it is often referred to as a taut-line hitch or one of several other names.
This version is preferred when attaching a rope to pole or rod.[3][4] It is effectively a clove hitch with an extra initial turn.
This version is preferred when attaching rope to another rope.[3][4] The first two turns create an awning hitch − a temporary hitch used by riggers when adjusting tent lines.[5] These first two turns are merely a subtle rearrangement in the position of the turns of #1734.
This is tied exactly as #1734, but with the final hitch in the opposite direction. It can be more tricky to snug-up, since both lines emerge from the same side of the hitch, but it has less tendency to twist under load.
The load should always be applied from the side with the two turns. Ensure the hitch is very snug before applying any strain, else it will not tighten further under load. When hitching to another rope, Ashley[3] and other sources[6][7] suggest #1735 is more secure. Ashley also states that #1736 has less tendency to twist.[5]
Though effective for moderate loads, the rolling hitch cannot be depended on to hold fast under all conditions. Using stiff and slippery modern fiber ropes, the rolling hitch may be difficult to make hold at all. Friction hitches with additional wraps and more complex structure may provide more security.