Page 59 - The Knot Bible

Killick hitch
KNOT SCORE
Any long object that is hoisted from one point is liable to be unstable. The Strength
killick hitch is the timber hitch plus a half hitch, to give it more directional Security
stability. The extra hitch also helps spread the load over any irregularly- Diffi culty Tying
shaped or top-heavy objects, making craning a little safer. Diffi culty Untying
Usefulness

1 Take a turn around the spar and 2 Put in the required number of 3 With the timber hitch in place, use
pass the working end around the turns (usually three, although two the standing part to tie a half hitch
standing part, as with the timber may suffi ce). around the post, at least 0.6m (2ft)
hitch. from the main part of the knot.

4 Tighten the knot by pulling the KNOT KNOW-HOW
standing part in the direction the
post is to be hoisted. Add more half Although there is little agreement about
hitches as required. exactly how it’s made, the general
consensus is that a ‘killick’ is an
improvised form of anchor. It may be
made from wood and rocks, or even just
rocks lashed together. Either way, the
killick hitch is used to tie a warp to the
resulting structure, spreading the load of
the line along its length and giving
greater directional stability.

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