Highwayman's hitch
| Highwayman's hitch | |
|---|---|
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| Names | Highwayman's hitch, Highwayman's cutaway |
| Category | Hitch |
| Releasing | Non-jamming |
| Typical use | Quick-release, draw loop hitch |
| Caveat | potentially unstable |
The highwayman's hitch is a quick-release draw loop knot used for temporarily securing a rope that will need to be released easily and cleanly.[1] The hitch can be untied with a tug of the working end and is notable because the working and standing parts are released to the same side. This means the line does not need to be pulled from around the object.[2]
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[edit] History
The hitch was called the highwayman's cutaway in 1947 by Cyrus L. Day. He related that, according to Hal McKail, the knot was attributable to the notorious 18th century English highwayman Dick Turpin. Day's book, however, suggested it for use as a quick-release mooring hitch for solo sailing.[2]
While the knot is alleged to have actually been used by highwaymen,[3] this claim is rejected by knot expert Geoffrey Budworth who stated, "there is no evidence to substantiate the reputation of the highwayman's hitch as a quick-getaway-knot for robbers on horseback."[1]
[edit] Tying
The knot is three bights linked through one another. To tie, begin by forming a bight behind the pole. Next, pass a bight formed from the standing part (the end that will receive tension) over the pole and through the first bight. Then, pass a bight formed from the working end over the pole and through the second bight. Pull the standing part tight to ensure that it holds.
Until the knot is tightened and properly dressed the highwayman's hitch has little holding power.
[edit] Alternatives
The Notable Knot Index recommends the tumble hitch as a more stable hitch. It's a similar hitch, but less prone to capsizing.[4]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b Budworth, Geoffrey (1997), The Complete Book of Knots, London: Octopus, p. 73
- ^ a b Day, Cyrus Lawrence (1947), The Art of Knotting and Splicing (1st ed.), New York: Dodd, Mead &Co., pp. 114–115
- ^ Meier, Joel F.; Viola, Mitchell A. (1993), Camp Counseling: Leadership and Programming For the Organized Camp, Brown & Benchmark
- ^ "The Tumble Hitch". Notable Knot Index. http://notableknotindex.webs.com/tumblehitch.html. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
