Page 293 - The Ashley Book of Knots

THE ASHLEY BOOK OF KNOTS

The SLIPPERY HITCH, having been put to work, spills instantly

when the end of the rope is pulled. This withdraws the bight and

releases the rope.

The SINGLE HITCH must first be relieved of its load, after which

it can be untied by flirting or jerking the standing part.

The HALF HITCH must be opened and the end withdrawn by hand.

1594. A HITCH, or a SINGLE HITCH, is sometimes, but not often,

termed a SIMPLE HITCH; the name SINGLE HITCH was applied by

Lieutenant (subsequently Admiral) Luce in his Seamanship of 1862.

The end of the rope is nipped under the standing part against an

edge or shoulder, and if the adjustment is good the knot is secure.

Unless the end of the rope is very short, and the need temporary,

a SLIPPERY HITCH will be found preferable, as it is easier to untie.

1595. A single turn and a SINGLE HITCH is often used for tem-

porary purposes on either a belaying pin or a cleat.

1596. A SINGLE HITCH, applied to the crotch or branch of a tree,

159& is quite secure but is apt to pinch or bind on account of the rough-

ness of the bark and may have to be removed by hand. Generally

1591
the SINGLE HITCH can be removed by shaking or flirting the standing

part after the load has been removed.

1597. Jib sheets on a small boat are often belayed to thumb cleats

in this fashion. By lifting the end behind the standing part the hitch

is spilled almost as easily as the SLIPPERY HITCH, which is more often

used for the purpose.
, &01

1598. A SINGLE HITCH to a stud is a common attachment to a

small ratcheted windlass which is used for a variety of purposes,

such as tightening lawn-tennis-net ropes and awning hoists. The

stud is preferably countersunk so that the rope will not be damaged

by it.

1599. A sash cord is recessed in a groove and socket in the side of

a sash. A flathead screw through the center of the SINGLE HITCH

holds the end securely in place.

1600. A SINGLE HITCH taken over the top of a post or pole in the

manner pictured, with a groove across the post end, would seem to

be more secure than KNOT '# 2 1 8.

IbO~ 160t. The BLACKWALL HITCH is one of the most common applica-

tions of the SINGLE HITCH, but it is not to be trusted too far. At sea

it is used in setting up rigging lanyards when they are too short to

tie with a better hitch. The name BLACKW ALL HITCH was applied by

Steel in 1794.

1602. The SINGLE HITCH is always used when starting to wind ma-

terial on a netting needle. It is also used when starting to wind a kite

I boS" \606
string on a stick, or a line on a reel.

1603. Whaleboat and other small-boat halyards are made fast to

-:---- _" a peg on the underside of a coaming or thwart with either a SINGLE
-'

HITCH or a SLIPPERY HITCH.

-' 1604. When no peg is at hand, a number of turns of rope may be

taken around a thwart and the end jammed as pictured. This hitch

may be slipped if desired.

1605. If the rope is too small for the peg, lay back the end and

twist the two parts together to increase its bulk, then mah a SINGLE

HITCH with the doubled part.