Page 308 - The Ashley Book of Knots

HITCHES TO MASTS, RIGGING, AND CABLE (LENGTH\VISE PULL)

1747. The coastwise steamship sailor of today is apt to secure a

tail block with a series of HALF HITCHES and a stopped end.

Stoppers and straps are always "passed." In using the term in this

'148 "50
way, the implication is that, on account of the intricacy of the hitch,

the size of the material, or the heaviness of the task, it is necessary

to pass the rope from one hand to another, or else from one sailor to

another.

1748. A tail block stopped in the rigging. This consists of a SINGLE

HITCH only, but it is dogged half a turn, and it is this dogging which

makes it better practice than )1).(1747. The hitch is also taken so that

any tendency to slip is with the' lay of the rope.

Strictly speaking, a hitch in a small rope around a bigger one is a

SINGLE HITCH, but custom dictates that so long as the hitch is around

a rope of sorts, the formation may be called a HALF HITCH. It is more

liable to.be called a SINGLE HITCH when it is taken around a spar. But

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here again it is impossible to make a rule, for the terms nowadays

are very loosely applied, even by the sailor himself.

1749. This is similar to the last, but the end is turned back and

"stopped." It was given by Roding in 1788. The dogging is left-

handed since this is stopped to cable-laid rope.

1750. Knight shows this method of lashing the eye of a tackle

block to a cargo boom with racking turns. Cheeks should be nailed

to the spar if possible.

1751. A tail block hitched, dogged and hitched. This is similar to
1754 1755"

)I).( 1748, but it is dogged several turns, and the end is hitched instead

of being stopped. Although not so good practice, it is quicker in an

emergency.

1752. A tail block with the tail round turned, then dogged, and 17S6

finally secured with a hitch.

1753. A tail block with turns arranged as in a MIDSHIPMAN'S

HITCH ()I).( 1735), and with the end dogged and stopped.

1754. A tail block showing a MIDSHIPMAN'S HITCH, hitched,

dogged, and hitched.

1755. A cross-lashed strap made fast in the rigging, to hook a

block to. Shakespeare terms this method of lashing (differently ap- lOW,

plied) "cross-gartering."

1756. A cross-lashed strap, for hooking a block or hoisting a spar.

For the latter purpose the drawing should be turned end for end. '15"9

1757. A double tail block. The tails are half hitched, dogged and

seized in the same direction, but with opposite twist. They should be

longer than pictured. If the tails are long, they may be dogged sev-

eral turns and the ends reef knotted.

1758. A sling to which a tackle is to be hooked. Selvagee slings

and straps are easier on spars and rigging than corded rope, besides

being less liable to slip. I'~I

1759. A STRAP or BALE SLING HITCH to mast and rigging. This is

much used at sea. Nares states, "If steadied until under proper strain

any weight may be lifted." Number 1757 would, on the whole, seem

1"762.
preferable.

1760. A single strap for a well pipe.

1761. A single strap to a telephone pole.

1762. A double strap for hoisting a spar or hooking a tackle.

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