How to Tie the Barrel Hitch (2 Legged)
Usage
The Barrel Hitch securely lifts cylindrical objects such as barrels, buckets, and containers. It is commonly used in marine applications, cargo hoisting, and general utility tasks where lifting stability is crucial.
Why Learn the Barrel Hitch?
The Barrel Hitch provides a secure hold around upright containers, ensuring safe lifting without tipping. It is particularly useful for lifting liquid-filled barrels, making it an essential knot for maritime and industrial use.
If you want to practice it with rope in hand before you ever trust it with a load, the Knot Tying Kit gives you practice cord and step-by-step cards to drill hitches like this at home.
Common Uses
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Boating/Marine:
- Hoisting cargo aboard ships.
- Securing barrels for transport.
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Construction and Utility Work:
- Lifting buckets and containers safely.
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Camping and Scouting:
- Hoisting supplies in outdoor settings.
Before you lift anything with it: never stand — and never let anyone else stand or walk — directly under the object being hoisted. The load can slip out of the sling or spill its contents. Lift smoothly and steadily: a sudden jerk is the documented trigger for the sling dislodging and dropping the load. Where a failure could cause property damage, injury, or death, have your tying checked by a skilled instructor first.
ABOK Number
Other Names
TypeOther/Specialty Knots
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Notable Features
- Secure Hold: Ensures stability when lifting upright barrels.
- Non-Jamming: Easy to untie after use.
- Versatile: Can be tied with rope, webbing, or chain.
Variations
4 Legged Barrel Hitch vs. 2 Legged Barrel Hitch
- Pros: Offers extra stability for lifting heavier or irregular loads.
- Cons: More complex and time-consuming to set up.
Similar Knots
Four-Legged Barrel Hitch vs. Barrel Hitch
- Pros: Offers extra stability for lifting heavier or irregular loads.
- Cons: More complex and time-consuming to set up.
Jar/Bottle Sling vs. Barrel Hitch
- Pros: The Jar/Bottle Sling is ideal for lifting bottles or cylindrical objects horizontally.
- Cons: Less effective for upright containers compared to the Barrel Hitch.
History
The Barrel Hitch has been used since the age of sail for lifting cargo aboard ships. Documented by Ashley in The Ashley Book of Knots, it is an effective method for safely securing and hoisting barrels.
Security Level
The Barrel Hitch is considered highly secure when tied correctly, ensuring a stable hold during lifting operations.
Downsides
- Can Slip: If the rope is not positioned correctly above the center of gravity.
- Not Ideal: For irregularly shaped objects.
Structure
- Stand the barrel on the lifting rope.
- Tie an overhand knot across the top of the barrel.
- Spread the knot to embrace the top of the barrel.
- Secure the ends with a Bowline Knot.
- Lift carefully, ensuring even weight distribution.
The tricky part is spreading the overhand knot evenly before it embraces the rim — in the Knot IQ app you can rotate the 3D model and step through that spread at your own pace until the geometry clicks.
FAQ
What is the Barrel Hitch used for?
It is used for lifting upright barrels and containers securely.
How does it compare to the Barrel Sling?
The Barrel Hitch secures upright containers, while the Barrel Sling is used for lifting containers on their sides.
Can it be untied easily?
Yes, the Barrel Hitch is non-jamming and easy to untie after lifting.
Is it suitable for heavy loads?
Yes for objects, within the rope's own limits, but the rope must sit above the load's centre of gravity or the sling slips. Keep everyone clear of the space under the load, and lift smoothly — a sudden jerk can dislodge the sling and drop the load. This is a cargo sling, not a knot to put a person on.
Important Notes on Safety
Ensure the Barrel Hitch is tied correctly with the rope positioned above the container's center of gravity. Avoid jerking movements while lifting to maintain stability and prevent accidents, and keep yourself and everyone else out from under the load for the whole lift.
