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 or Poacher’s Knot
This Poachers and Scaffold are must-know knots and the most popular for tying to a Carabiner or Quick Link.
Clove, Girth, Bull hitches
Everybody should know how to tie a Clove Hitch, Girth Hitch and Bull 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.