Rolling hitch

Rolling hitch
NamesRolling hitch, Magnus hitch
CategoryHitch
RelatedTaut-line hitch, Icicle hitch, Jamming knot
Typical useSailing
ABoK#503, #1190, #1465, #1466, #1681, #1734, #1735, #1736, #1791, #2555

The rolling hitch is a knot (see also Magnus hitch) used to attach a rope to a rod, pole, or another rope. A simple friction hitch, it is used for lengthwise pull along an object rather than at right angles. The rolling hitch is designed to resist lengthwise movement for only a single direction of pull.[1]

A common usage while sailing is for rigging a stopper to relax the tension on a sheet so that a jammed winch or block can be cleared.

  1. ^ Clifford W. Ashley, The Ashley Book of Knots (New York: Doubleday, 1944), 292.