Page 78 - The Complete Rigger’s Apprentice

Anchor Hitch becomes the even more secure Stun- mock from 1 5 9 wire, try another variation, the
sail Halyard Hitch. This knot can also be more com- Camel Hitch. This is a circus knot, developed spe-
pact, as it doesn’t require a seizing. cifically for mooring camels, whose copious slobber
and head-jerking truculence jam lesser hitches.
The Rolling Hitch and Variations For all Rolling Hitch variations, draw up well
This knot can be made under tension, which suits it so that all turns take a strain, and don’t push their
for cleatless belays, but it is by no means limited to security by overburdening them; get the right rope
that function; of all hitches, it has the widest range at the right length, or use the next knot, which
of usefulness. though new is rapidly replacing any form of Rolling
It can be made up close to an object instead Hitch for slick surfaces and extreme loads.
of Half Hitches, or it can be made around rails,
rings, spars, or other ropes for slinging or for hang- The Icicle Hitch
ing tackle from. It is adjustable, so tension can be There is an ancient rigging challenge: devise a hitch
maintained in tidal areas, or in rope that comes and that will hold for a lengthwise pull toward the thin
goes when wet, or for temporary staying, when guys end of a smooth, tapering spar. This knot meets that
must be adjusted relative to one other. It is a ridic- challenge. It is the brainchild of one John Smith, a
ulously simple knot, suited either to perpendicular true knotting genius (see also “The Mobius Bow-
or lengthwise pull, but nevertheless ridiculously line” in Chapter 11). Of course, a knot that will hold
underused. To form: Make two turns in the direction on a tapering spar will hold on anything. That’s why
of the strain, then a hitch on the side of the turns I now use the Icicle Hitch exclusively for things like
away from the strain (Figure 3-11). Turns and hitch setting up rigging, stretching wire for serving, and
all travel in the same direction. any number of utility and emergency procedures.
If the material is inclined to slip, the Rigger’s And as if its astonishing security weren’t enough,
Hitch, a variation made by jamming the second turn it is also extremely easy to tie (see Figure 3-12).
over the first, has a more tenacious grip, though it’s Thank you, Mr. Smith.
also difficult to adjust. To tie the Icicle Hitch on most objects, take
For very slick work, such as hanging a ham- three to five turns around the hitchee as shown in
Figure 3-12A with a Stropsicle (see Figure 4-13) or
Figure 3-11. The Rolling Hitch (A, B) is an adjustable other short length of line. For very slick objects, take
knot for lengthwise pull. The Rigger’s Hitch (C) is one ten or so turns.
variation. The Camel Hitch (D) has three round turns
and two Half Hitches. Figure 3-12A. The Icicle Hitch. Take three to five turns
around the hitchee (for slick surfaces, make up to 10
turns).

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