General Function of Hitches: To attach a rope to an object
Hitches commonly used in NPCC:
- Clove Hitch
- Timber Hitch
- Highwayman's Hitch
- Marlinspike Hitch
1. Clove Hitch |
Function: Used to attach a rope to other objects like a spar or a ring.
Practical Application:
- Used to start off and anchor rope obstacles
- Commonly used to start off a lashing
2. Timber Hitch
Function: To attach a rope to cylindrical object
Practical Application: Logging purposes (Tying pieces of firewood or spars etc. together) ; to start off a diagonal lashing
Take note:
- The security of the hitch depends on the strain. The greater the strain, the more secured it is. When not loaded, it unties easily and can be easily adjusted.
The hitch shown on the left is known as the Killick Hitch. It is made up of a timber hitch and a half hitch. This hitch is commonly used for logging purposes or for securing oddly-shaped objects. The half hitch serves to lock the timber hitch in place and provide additional security and support when pulling or hoisting and object.
3. Marlinspike Hitch
Function: To attach a rope to a rod to be used as a handle
Practical Application:
- Used in nautical activities for heavy pulling of ropes
- Used to construct rope ladders
4. Highwayman's hitch
Function: To temporarily secure a rope to an object, for quick release of the hitch
5. Round Turn and 2 Half Hitches
Function:
- To secure a rope to an object and allow the rope to turn in all directions (360 degrees)
- Commonly used to secure boats to dock posts, or a hammock to a tree