How To Tie the Rolling Hitch

Usage

The Rolling Hitch is a great friction hitch that’s extremely versatile. It’s designed to attach one rope to another or a pole - in an adjustable way. Due to that adjustability, it is perfect for lengthwise tension. It’s commonly used in climbing, sailing, and general outdoor applications where secure and adjustable connections are essential. This hitch is a go-to for relieving tension on tight ropes, tightening sagging lines, or creating adjustable straps.

The Rolling Hitch is one of those knots you’ll thank yourself for learning. As a friction hitch, It’s adjustable, reliable, and perfect for securing or tensioning ropes without redoing existing knots. Whether you’re tightening a slack clothesline, anchoring a tarp, or fixing drawstrings on gear, this knot has you covered. Its versatility makes it a must-have for climbers, sailors, and anyone who loves the outdoors.

Why Learn the Rolling Hitch?

The Rolling Hitch is one of those knots you’ll thank yourself for learning. As a friction hitch, It’s adjustable, reliable, and perfect for securing or tensioning ropes without redoing existing knots. Whether you’re tightening a slack clothesline, anchoring a tarp, or fixing drawstrings on gear, this knot has you covered. Its versatility makes it a must-have for climbers, sailors, and anyone who loves the outdoors.

Common Uses

• Relieving Rope Tension: Use it to transfer tension to a new line, allowing you to release jammed knots.
• Tightening Sagging Lines: Tighten clotheslines, ridgelines, or other slack ropes without undoing existing knots.
• Adjustable Drawstrings: Ideal for creating adjustable closures on clothing or gear.
• Connecting Ropes: Join two ropes with an adjustable loop.
• Tying to a Vertical Rope: Securely attach to a tree or vertical rope for load management.
• Adjustable Tarp Tie-Outs: Create easily adjustable anchor points for tarp setups.

ABOK Number  (Ashley Book of Knots)  #1734, Page 298.   Other Names Magnus Hitch Magner’s Hitch   Category Hitch, Friction Hitch, Bend

Notable Features

• Adjustable and Secure: Provides a reliable hold while remaining easy to adjust.
• Quick-Release Option: A bight can be used to make the hitch instantly releasable.
• Versatile Applications: Suitable for ropes, poles, and drawstrings in various settings.
• Directional Stability: Holds tension effectively in one direction but may fail if misaligned.

Similar Knots

Sliding Figure Eight Bend vs Rolling Hitch

• Pros: Provides strong, adjustable tension and is great for joining ropes.
• Cons: More complex to tie compared to the Rolling Hitch.

Taut Line Hitch vs Rolling Hitch

• Pros: Excellent for creating adjustable loops under tension.
• Cons: The Rolling Hitch offers better grip and directional stability for lengthwise pulls.

Midshipman’s Hitch vs Rolling Hitch

• Pros: Highly secure and versatile for adjustable loops, especially in marine applications.
• Cons: Slightly bulkier and less intuitive to tie than the Rolling Hitch.

Blake’s Hitch vs Rolling Hitch

• Pros: The Blake’s Hitch excels in ascending and descending applications with its self-tightening design.
• Cons: Less ideal for lengthwise pulls compared to the Rolling Hitch.

Adjustable Grip Hitch vs Rolling Hitch

• Pros: Similar adjustability and grip for tensioning lines, with an easy-to-learn tying method.
• Cons: The Rolling Hitch is more reliable for handling heavy loads under lengthwise tension.

Icicle Hitch vs Rolling Hitch

• Pros: Both are friction hitches, but the Rolling Hitch is ideal for moderate loads, while the Icicle Hitch excels with extreme loads and slippery materials.
• Cons: The Icicle Hitch grips in both directions, whereas the Rolling Hitch holds only in one direction.

History

The Rolling Hitch, historically referred to as the Magnus Hitch, was renamed in 1841 by Richard Henry Dana Jr. in his seminal work, The Seaman's Friend. This publication standardized the knot's nomenclature, leading to its widespread adoption in climbing, sailing, and various outdoor activities, owing to its reliability and ease of use. Internet Archive

Security Level

The Rolling Hitch is highly secure when tied correctly, offering strong directional stability. However, it may fail if tension is applied at an incorrect angle or if used with slippery, modern ropes like Dyneema or Polypropylene. For critical applications, consider tying a second Rolling Hitch for added security.

Downsides

• Can fail under load if tension is misaligned.
• Less effective on modern slippery ropes.
• Requires careful attention to wrapping direction to ensure security.

Structure

1. Step 1: Cross the rope over the object or other rope you want to connect to.
2. Step 2: Make one full turn on the side where you’ll pull tension.
3. Step 3: Slip the free end through the loop and around the standing line.
4. Step 4: Make a second diagonal wrap and tuck the end under itself.
5. Step 5: Tighten the knot, ensuring two diagonal wraps and one wrap above.

FAQ

Q1: What makes the Rolling Hitch adjustable?

It makes use of the friction of the rope-on-rope contact. With less pressure, there’s less friction.

Q2: Can it handle heavy loads?

Yes, but ensure the tension is applied in the correct direction for optimal security. Pulling in the direction of the bottom two wraps, not the top one.

Q3: Can the Rolling Hitch be used on modern ropes like Dyneema or Spectra?

It may slip on slippery materials like Dyneema; consider the Icicle Hitch for better grip.

Q4: Can it be untied under tension?

Yes, the Rolling Hitch can be untied even when under load.

Q5: How does it compare to the Clove Hitch?

The Rolling Hitch offers better grip and adjustability for lengthwise tension.

Important Notes on Safety

Always inspect your Rolling Hitch after tying to ensure proper alignment and wrapping direction. Avoid using it on slippery ropes unless additional knots or precautions are employed.