 | This article is written like a manual or guide. (September 2022) |
| Marlinespike hitch | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Names | Marlinespike hitch, marlingspike hitch, boat knot |
| Category | Hitch |
| Related | Overhand slip knot, stein knot |
| Releasing | Non-jamming |
| Typical use | Pulling heavily on rope or twine, historically used by sailors |
| Caveat | Intended as temporary hitch; not stable unless loaded |
| ABoK | #559, #1186, #1789, #1880, #2030, #7, #43 |
The marlinespike hitch is a temporary knot used to attach a rod to a rope in order to form a handle.[1] This allows more tension than could be produced comfortably by gripping the rope with the hands alone. It is useful when tightening knots and for other purposes in ropework.
As the name suggests, the type of rod traditionally used with this hitch is a marlinespike. The advantages of this hitch over others which might serve the purpose are its quickness of tying and ease of releasing. Topologically it is a form of the noose, but in practice this hitch is not allowed to collapse into that shape. When it does capsize into a traditional noose, it can jam against the rod, making it much more difficult to release.[2]
The hitch is frequently used by hammock campers to attach adjustable rope slings ("whoopie slings") to the webbing straps that are used to attach hammocks to trees.
By passing the working end through the marlinespike hitch, this knot can be used as an alternative method of tying the Bowline knot. Passing through in the opposite direction will give you the Cowboy bowline (also known as the left-hand bowline, Dutch marine bowline or winter bowline).
