Page 42 - Outward Bound Ropes, Knots, and Hitches
P. 42
Camping Knots: Stationary Hitches
cow Hitch (simple)
AnOtHeR quICK And SIMpLe,
tHOugH InSeCuRe,
geneRAL-puRpOSe HItCH
The simple or common cow hitch, scoffed at by many knot
enthusiasts, loosens easily due to the fact that the weight
of a load pulls entirely on the standing part of the rope. It
is often used to temporarily tether animals, but it should
not be trusted for any length of time. Archaeological
evidence shows that this knot has been around for
centuries and deserves a place in knot literature. It will
endure due to its simplicity.
Cow Hitch (S XXimple): Step 1 Cow Hitch (Simple): Step 2
XX
XXX
Drape the working end of a Bring the working end across
XXX
rope through a ring, as shown the front of the standing part,
in the photograph, or over a rail back up and through the ring or
or bar. over the rail again, and down
through the bight of the knot,
as shown in the photograph.
Tighten by pulling on the stand-
ing part.
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