Page 58 - Peter Randall - The Craft of the Knot

used on logs. The Barrel Sling can be used to hoist a barrel while holding it upright, and

the Barrel Hitch is a sling that is tied like a Cow Hitch around an object. Its weight
keeps the hitch snug.

It is rewarding to tie off a rope with the needed tension, and even be able to adjust it.
Fastening ropes to objects can help with many jobs, and even more can be done when
combined with other types of knots.

The more you work with hitches, the more you should have an idea of what they can
do, and more importantly, what they can do for you. Fastening a rope to something is

key to using rope for holding and moving objects, and it is best to learn more than one
method. Also, the skills you obtain for fastening rope to objects will play an important
part in how to use rope for bindings.

BARREL HITCH

If you want to lift a barrel or other short cylindrical object on its side, the Barrel Hitch
can do the job of hoisting it.

Start with a strop or length of rope tied in a closed loop. Pass the end of the loop

around the barrel and then through the other side of the loop. Spread the loops apart
under the barrel for more stability.

BARREL SLING

The Barrel Sling will hoist a barrel while keeping it upright.

STEP 1 Stand the barrel upright on the middle of a short length of rope, and cross the