Page Contents:
Overview
A hitch is a knot which secures a rope or cord to an object or host. Hitches are sometimes described as “anchor knots” because a rope must be secured onto the ring of an boating anchor. Unlike a fixed loop which can move around if we tie it around an object, anchor hitches cinch in place and are more stable. This page covers basic hitches used to affix a rope to a small host like a ring or carabiner. See these pages for hitches for these specific applications:
The Hitches
Scaffold, Poacher’s Knot
The Scaffold knot and Poachers knot are variations of the overhand noose knot. They are basic and should be known by all climbers. Poachers and Scaffold are the most popular for tying to a Carabiner or Quick Link. They should not be used for tying onto a ring, because they are very difficult to remove given that a ring cannot be slid off like a carabiner can.
Clove, Girth, Bull hitches
In this introductory video, JRB outlines several basic hitches. Everybody should know how to tie a Clove Hitch, Girth Hitch and Bull Hitch.
A dedicated Masterclass on the Clove Hitch:
Longhorn Hitch
The Longhorn Hitch is actually a hitch, a bend and a double sliding loop knot all in one. Tying it on our finger results in a Longhorn Loop, which is used as the basis for creating the Longhorn Agile Hitch, Longhorn Zenith Hitch, or a Longhorn Soft Shackle. The total amount of cord that is needed depends on the application. This table merely contains the MINIMUM length of the two parallel, working ends when creating a derivative friction hitch. Do not use less than these sizes as a working end.
| Cord diameter | Min Working Ends |
|---|---|
| 5mm | 10″ or 25.4 cm |
| 6mm | 12″ or 30.5 cm |
| 7mm | 14″ or 35.5 cm |
| 8mm | 16″ or 40.6 cm |
Predecessor video with Details:
Buffalo Hitch
The Buffalo hitch makes a great anchor on a ring because it is easier to remove than a Poachers/Scaffold knot.
Moose Hitch
Also for tying a ring, if the load will be minor, the Moose Hitch is even easier to tie and untie, and is used in the creation of the JRB Cinch.