The Rolling Hitch (Taut Line Hitch)

To tie the knot move the mouse along the numbers 1 - 10.
Alternate between 10 and Structure to see the structure.

Description: The Rolling Hitch (ABOK # 1735, p 298) is an example of a Slide and Grip knot. It attaches a rope (which should be the same size or smaller) to another when the line of pull is almost parallel.

Critical Details: The photos above correctly show that the second turn must be tucked up above turn one when rope is being tied to rope. Also, the red rope is parallel to the green. The "pull" MUST be in line with the main rope. If the tension is away from the standing rope, this knot usually fails.

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.

Uses: This Slide and Grip knot is a possible alternative to the Klemheist, Prusik, and Bachmann. Unlike the others it can be tied with the end of piece of rope whereas the others all require a loop. Like the other Slide and Grip knots, the Rolling Hitch should be carefully tested before trusting it. Always be prepared to tighten it.

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 do recommend using the bitter end to tie a second Rolling Hitch beyond the first. Like the other Slide and Grip knots, it functions best when the knot is tied in a piece of rope smaller than the main climbing rope.

Awning Hitch: The value of 'tucking up' turn two above the first can be shown by starting the knot with and without this tuck. As soon as 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 just slides along the rope.

Rolling Hitch to a Pole (above): If this knot is to be used to secure a rope to a pole, an alternative version of the Rolling Hitch (also known as the Taut Line Hitch) is preferred in which the second turn stays parallel beside the first and is not tucked up above it (ABOK # 1734, p 298).

Safety Belt Hitch (above right): Ashley also describes a Safety-Belt Hitch used by Steeplejacks (ABOK # 452, p 74), where three turns, not "tucked up", are used in the first part of the knot before the final half hitch is placed.

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, tighten it, use it for two ropes which lie parallel, never tie it with a larger rope round a smaller one, and it doesn't slip under load.