Page 50 - The Knot Bible

HITCHES

Cow hitch
KNOT SCORE
Another knot which is liable to collapse once the load is released, the cow Strength
hitch can be very effective when used in the right context. The most Security
common application aboard ship is on deadeyes and lanyards, to attach the Diffi culty Tying
Diffi culty Untying
lanyard to the shroud. An identical knot is used on baggage labels, although
Usefulness
there it is tied in the bight and called a bale sling hitch or ring hitch.

1 Pass the working end around 2 Pass the working end over the 3 Pass the working end around
the mooring point – the base of the standing part. the shroud or post, in the opposite
shroud, in the case of deadeyes direction to the original turn, and
and lanyards. tuck it under itself.

4 Tighten the knot by pulling both
parts simultaneously. Note that this
knot will only hold if tension is
maintained on both parts.