[Fig. 70.] The Scaffold-hitch is very useful for slinging a scaffold so that it will not turn in the sling. It is started by making a Clove hitch with the two free ends of the rope below the scaffold. Then draw each rope back on itself and up over opposite sides of the board, where the short end is joined to the other with a bowline. Plenty of slack in the Clove will make it possible to draw the bight of each end out to the edge of the scaffold as shown in the left of the figure. The two illustrations at the right of the figure show another method of making a Scaffold hitch. Wrap the rope around the scaffold plank so that it crosses the top of the plank three times. Pull the middle loop as shown by the arrow and fold it down over the end of the plank, resulting as shown in the illustration immediately to the left of the arrow. This is completed by attaching the free end to the standing part with a bowline. Both hitches are equally good.
[Fig. 71.] The Studding-sail-bend is frequently employed on shipboard for attaching a rope or line to a spar.
[Fig. 72.] The Midshipman’s-hitch is somewhat similar to the Snubbing hitch shown in [Figure 54], but is perhaps a little easier to make if the rope is under a strain while being tied.
[Fig. 73.] A Bale-sling as shown is useful where it is necessary to hoist an object to which it is difficult to attach the hoisting tackle. It may be used on bales, sacks, kegs, etc.
[Fig. 74.] The Hamburger hitch is useful in connection with a bale sling which is too long for the object it is carrying. It is also used to balance the load where two slings are used. The sling is placed around the load as in [Fig. 73]. Then with the loop end of the sling form a second loop as shown. Where the two ropes cross start to tie a square or Reef knot. Draw up the loops as shown, resulting in the Hamburger hitch. This may be adjusted by running the knot up or down the rope while slack, but it will not slip under strain.
[Fig. 75.] Sling for a cask, head up, is very useful where it is desired to hoist an open barrel of water or lime or other material. Tie an ordinary knot over the barrel lengthwise. Then separate the two ropes in the middle of the twisted part and drop them over the head of the cask or barrel. Fasten the two rope ends together above the barrel as shown with a bowline.
[Fig. 76.] A Well Pipe Hitch is used in hoisting pipe, where no special clamp is available for attaching the hoisting tackle to the pipe. The hitch shown will pull tighter, the harder the strain, and is also easy to untie. Pull up all slack possible in the coils when forming the hitch, in order to prevent slipping when the strain is first applied.