Taut-line hitch
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The taut-line hitch is type of knot, being a modified version of the two half hitches.
It is useful for tensioning lines where the tension may need to be periodically readjusted, and typical applications for the knot are in securing loads on vehicles, and in securing tent lines.
The taut-line hitch does not work well with some modern synthetic lines that are excessively slick or which do not knot well, though it can usually be made to function by tying more than the basic three half-hitches.
The taut-line hitch is used in arboriculture to climb trees. The climber grips the tree with his legs, thrusts his pelvis upwards and pushes the knot up the rope. To decend the climber merely has to pull downwards on the knot
To tie the taut-line hitch:
- Pass the line from the load, loop it around the anchor, and take the free end and loop it around in a half-hitch; that is, loop it around the standing line and pass it through the loop formed.
- Then pass it through the loop again in the same direction, so that there are two passes of the line through the loop.
- Then tie another half-hitch on top of this, going in the same direction; that is, pass the free end around the standing line above the hitch just tied and pass it through the loop formed, then tighten.
Adjust the taut-line hitch by grasping the standing line in one hand just below the taut-line hitch, then pull the line against the load, and grasp the hitch with the other hand and pull it the other direction, away from the anchor and towards the load, to tighten. The knot can be repeatedly adjusted as needed.
See also: List of knots