Rolling hitch

The rolling hitch resembles the clove hitch but has an extra turn. The first two turns lie on the side of the pull; the second crosses the standing part and lies beside the first, further towards the pull. This spreads the friction over a longer stretch, and the knot does not “climb” along the pole or rope when it is pulled lengthwise.

The final half hitch lies on the side away from the pull. It carries hardly any load but makes sure the end does not work its way out. The literature describes slightly different forms under the name rolling hitch – what matters for all of them is that the turns lie on the side the pull comes from.

Look at the finished knot so that the planned direction of pull points, say, to the left. Then the two turns lying side by side must be to the left of the final half hitch, and the standing part should come out of that side. If the double turns are on the other side, you have tied it mirror-reversed – then it slips.

To set it, snug the turns together so they lie close side by side, then load the knot slowly in the planned direction. The end should stick out a little beyond the half hitch. If it slips in the test, add another turn on the pull side – this is often needed on smooth surfaces.

The classic mistake is turns on the wrong side. The knot then looks almost the same but slips as soon as it is pulled. Confusing it with the clove hitch, which lacks the second, crossing turn, is also common. And finally: not testing it and relying on a knot that has never been loaded in the real direction of pull.

In slick synthetic rope and on very smooth surfaces such as varnished poles or metal tubes, the rolling hitch is less reliable. It can then slowly creep along. It can also loosen if the direction of pull changes. So check it regularly in long-term use.

In camp the rolling hitch is ideal for attaching tie-outs to a taut ridgeline without special equipment. It also holds a pull along a pole, oar or pipe. A classic sailor's trick: use a rolling hitch to take the strain off a rope so that another, jammed knot can be freed.

It is unsuitable when the pull comes from the wrong direction or from changing directions. On very smooth surfaces use it only after testing. And for anything life-safety related: life-safety use only after proper training with certified equipment.

Stretch a line between two chair backs or take a broom handle. With a second cord, tie a rolling hitch and pull lengthwise. Then tie a clove hitch beside it and pull the same way – you will see how much more easily the clove hitch slides along.

Then deliberately tie it mirror-reversed and test again. Once you can feel and see the difference, you will reliably tie it the right way round even in the half-dark at camp.