HITCHES
The knots so far described are used mainly for fastening rope ends together or for ending a rope. A quite different class of knots is that used for fastening a rope to a stationary or solid object. This type of knots is known as hitches.
Hitches as well as other types of knots should be easily made, should not slip under strains and should be easily untied. If all ropes were the same size and stiffness it would be possible to select two or three knots which would meet all requirements. But, since this is not true and since a knot suitable for a silken fish line will not be satisfactory for a ship’s hawser, we find a great variety of knots, each of which is designed to meet some special requirements of service. The following illustrations show a variety of the most typical and useful knots used on fiber or manila rope.
[Fig. 49.] The Half-hitch is good only for temporary fastenings where pull is continuous. It is usually used as part of a more elaborate hitch.
[Fig. 50.] The Timber-hitch is very similar to the Half-hitch but is much more permanent and secure. Instead of the end being passed under the standing part once it is wound around the standing part three or four times as shown.
[Fig. 51.] The Clove, or Builder’s-hitch, is more secure than either of the above hitches. It will hold fast on a smooth timber and is used extensively by builders for fastening the staging to upright posts. It will hold without slipping on wet timber. It is also used to make the scaffold hitch.
[Fig. 52.] The Rolling-hitch is made by wrapping the rope three or four times around the object to which it is to be fastened and then making two half-hitches around the standing part of the rope. It is then drawn tight. This hitch is easily and quickly made and is very secure.
[Fig. 53.] This illustrates another type of Rolling-hitch very similar to the above but which is not as secure under a heavy strain.