The Rolling Hitch (Taut Line Hitch)

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Description: The Rolling Hitch (ABOK # 1735, p 298) attaches a rope (usually smaller) to another (usually larger) when the line of pull is almost parallel. It can also be used to attach a rope to a pole (see below).

Critical Details: The photos above correctly show that the red rope is parallel to the green. The "pull" MUST be in line with the main rope (or the pole). If the tension is away from the standing rope or pole, this knot usually fails. The value of 'tucking in' turn two above the first turn can be shown by tying the knot with and without this tuck. As soon as the the 'tuck' is made the knot is stable and functions as an "Awning Hitch" (picture on left, ABOK # 1798, p 304). Without this tucked turn, the first part of the knot has no 'structure' and the first two turns just slide along. However, if this knot is to be used to secure a rope to a parallel pole, an alternative version of the Rolling Hitch (also known as the Taut Line Hitch) is preferred (picture on right, ABOK # 1734, p 298).

Uses: The Rolling Hitch is uniquely valuable to take the strain off a rope with a foul turn on a winch. It can also make an adjustable loop in the end of a rope to act as a spring line to a dock. On large ships it is used to relieve the strain on a hawser while the "Bitter End" is transferred to the "Bitts" (picture on Left). In smaller rope, after tying, it can be adjusted by sliding the knot along the standing end, e.g., on small sailing boats it is succesfully used as an adjustable boom-vang.

The Taut Line Hitch is exactly the same as Ashley's alternative version of the Rolling Hitch. It is described without the second turn being tucked above the first and is recommended only when tying rope to a pole. However, it is sometimes wrongly described for rope (see picture on Right), and the descriptions quite properly go on to caution the user that the knot may slip! For this reason only this one page is provided for both the Rolling Hitch and the Taut Line Hitch. There is no justification for teaching the Taut Line Hitch without the tuck - it works better with it - see above. And, do not tie the taut-line hitch round rope.

Under Load: The Rolling Hitch is one of the few knots which can be tied and untied with load on. It does not bind and, when tied correctly, does not slip. However, in critical applications some authorities recommend using the bitter end to tie a second Rolling Hitch beyond the first.

Overboard: The Rolling Hitch has been promoted as the only knot to tie in the following unlikely but critical circumstance: while sailing alone you fall overboard and catch hold of the line which you have prudently left trailing astern and find yourself hanging on with difficulty. Before you tire, you manage to bring the bitter end of the rope around your back. You then have to tie a suitable knot to make a loop around you. A bowline cannot be tied under load. Two half hitches will slide and constrict you. The Rolling Hitch is the answer. Even as the second turn is tucked "up" into the correct place, the major strain is taken and the final half hitch can be tied with less urgency.

Variation Using a Bight: When there is a long Bitter End, the Rolling Hitch can be tied using a bight (loop) instead of the end. This is particularly useful when the Rolling Hitch is being used as a Spring Line. However, attention to detail is essential. The first part of the knot is tied using one strand of the loop. The other strand is kept out of the way but the bitter end is NOT pulled through. Once the first part of the knot is secure and, as usual, will take the strain, the bight can be used to tie one or more half hitches.

History: The Rolling Hitch has a complicated history. It is linked to similar knots named the Magner's or Magnus Hitch. It is all too commonly described without the second turn being 'tucked above' turn one - even when being tied to rope. This is unfortunate. Ashley clearly describes both methods and stresses that the version used when tying rope to rope should include this tucked up second turn (ABOK # 1734, 1735, p 298). Many scouting websites show it without this tuck. The error of using the wrong technique is illustrated by cautionary statements which often follow the description, e.g.,

"... 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 rope, below the Rolling hitch, to stop it slipping..."

Hello! Tie it correctly and it doesn't slip under load. And, how can you possibly tie a figure of eight knot in a taut jib sheet stretched between the block and the foul turned winch?