Usage

The Farrimond Friction Hitch is an adjustable friction hitch that incorporates it’s own quick release. So it can slide up and down your line, giving it the perfect tension, and then with just a pull can be released.

It’s major benefit is it can be tied at any point in your rope - you don’t need the exact end, so its great for longer ropes.

Its provides a quick and convenient method to tighten a tent ridgeline or guylines - making it perfect for camping, scouting, and other outdoor activities. If you’re familiar with the Taut Line Hitch, then you can sub this in for that one.

Why Learn the Farrimond Friction Hitch?

Its a great substitute for the Taut-line hitch, whenever you have too much rope at the end of your line.

This hitch is ideal for anyone who needs a secure and reliable adjustable hitch that can slide up and down your line, effectively tightening it. It’s particularly useful in camping, Bushcraft, and Scouting, and especially valued for its quick-release capability and ease of use, just a few wraps around does the trick.

Its a great substitute for the Taut-line hitch, whenever you have too much rope at the end of your line.

Common Uses

Camping and Bushcraft

• Attach a tarp's ridgeline around a tree or pole
• Tarp/Tent Guylines

Household

• Improvise a belt or create adjustable loops.

Scouting

• Use in pioneering or bushcraft projects and other outdoor setups.

ABOK (Ashley Book of Knots) Number This knot is not listed in the Ashley Book of Knots

Category Friction Hitch

History

The Farrimond Friction Hitch was first demonstrated in 2008 by British actor Barry Farrimond at the Yellow Wood Bush Camp in Wales. It is similar to the Prusik Knot but uses two wraps instead of three, and is wrapped around an object and then tied to itself.

Notable Features

• Quick-Release: Easily undone with a single pull.
• Adjustable Tension: Ideal for tasks like tying tarps.
• Ease of Tying: Simple and effective, even for beginners.
• Supports Heavy Loads: Can handle tension well when dressed properly.
• Versatile: can be tied at the end of your line or with a very long tag end.

Similar Knots

• Taut Line Hitch Knot: Similar friction hitch, but slightly harder to untie.
• Adjustable Grip Hitch Knot: Comparable in strength and ease of use.
• Midshipman’s Hitch Knot: Often considered stronger and easier to tighten. Better Hold, harder to undo.
• Magnus Hitch - Similar to the taut line - almost the same
• Rolling Hitch - Tied onto another vertical or heaving line instead.
• Prusik Knot - Looks very similar, but a prusik is tied onto a separate line, where this is tied onto itself.

Security Level

Moderately secure. Not suitable for critical safety situations, as it can be undone with a single pull. Works best with paracord or natural fiber ropes; slippery ropes may require additional wraps.

Downsides

• The knot can be challenging to tighten properly.
• It doesn't perform well with slippery ropes unless additional wraps are made.
• Requires practice to ensure it holds under tension without slipping.
• Harder to tie with gloves.

Important Notes on Safety

Always ensure your knots are tied properly and verified by a professional if used in critical applications. Incorrectly tied knots can lead to property damage, injury, or worse.

FAQ

Q1: What is the Farrimond Friction Hitch best used for?

It's ideal for tensioning tarps, securing ridgelines, and creating adjustable loops, especially in camping and outdoor scenarios.

Q2: How do I prevent the Farrimond Friction Hitch from slipping?

If the knot slides, try using a different type of rope or wrapping the bight around the standing end three or four times for extra security.

Q3: Can the Farrimond Friction Hitch handle heavy loads?

Yes, when tied and dressed properly, it can handle heavy loads and maintain tension effectively.