Page 168 - Randy Penn Everything Knots Book

37-032-6-pp001-pp274.qxd 9/1/2010 2:49 PM Page 153

MAKING HITCHES

3 Bring the running end around the pole, tucking it under the
crossing. Complete four turns, tucking the end each time.

4 After the fourth turn, also tuck the running end under the first loop
so that both ends exit together.

After you are finished, use the running end as the end that will take
strain. This will allow the hitch to have its tenacious grip. Do this either
by leaving a large excess of running end or by extending it by making
a bend to another rope.
You can also tie the Icicle Hitch near the end of a pole, in a manner
similar to the Pile Hitch. To see this, first tie it near a pole end with the
method shown previously, then pull the bight over the end as if you
were untying the Pile Hitch, and you will see the setup for this method.
When checking to see if you have tied it correctly, keep in mind that
this hitch is basically an extended Pile Hitch.

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