Rolling Hitch

• One of the most underrated knots in Scouting and Guiding, the Rolling hitch is used to attach one line to a second, in such a manner that the first line can be easily slid along the second.

• The knot can be considered a Clove hitch with an additional turn.

• When tension is applied and the lines form a straight line, the rolling hitch will lock onto the first line. When the tension is released, the hitch can be loosened and slid along the first line to a new location.

• The tension must be applied on the side of the knot with the extra turn.

• Tip. Use this knot if you have a guy line with no adjuster. Create a loop on the end of a second line which is slipped over the peg. Use a rolling hitch to attach the second line to the guyline. Alternatively, take the guyline around the peg and tie the Rolling hitch back onto the standing part of the guyline, above the peg, thus forming an adjustable loop. This is known as the Tautline Hitch in America.

• Tip. Use this knot when constructing camp gadgets such as a suspended table. A Rolling hitch in each suspension line will allow easy adjustment and a level table!

• Tip. When adjustments are complete, lock the rolling hitch into place by using a stop knot such as a Figure of Eight in the first line, below the Rolling hitch, to stop it slipping.