The Tensionless Hitch

To tie the knot move the mouse along the numbers 1 - 10

Uses The Tensionless Hitch is not specifically described by Ashley. However, it shares a critically important feature with the Round Turn and Two Half Hitches: to gain secure control of a loaded line, wrap it round a post or tree several times. This is the key to the safe handling of heavy loads.

Number of Turns: Descriptions of the Tensionless Hitch indicate that the number of turns used may be increased when the post is smooth and polished. Confusing language describes the number of turns. If a rope has merely been passed behind a post and then knotted to itself, it has NOT made "one Round Turn". The description "One Round Turn" is used when the end is passed behind the post a second time. In the animation above the rope passes behind the pole four times making "three round turns" - probably appropriate for the polished metal shown here.

Tying it: When the load is taken with sufficient round turns, a Figure Eight Loop is tied in the end. This is then clipped to the standing end with no tension in the end, hence the name "tensionless". The animation shows a carabiner completing this knot. However, the bitter end can also be secured directly to the standing end with half hitches or a figure eight follow through. Ideally the gate of the carabiner should be positioned so that it cannot get knocked open. The carabiner shown here is a locking variety but it would still have been better positioned gate-up, away from the post.

Advantages: An advantage claimed for this knot is that because the strain is spread over many turns round a large diameter pole or tree, a high percentage of the rope's theoretical breaking strain should be preserved. This is probably true much of the time.

However, it is safer to assume that this benefit will not always be realized. In the final picture of the animation sequence, the standing end is almost straight, i.e., the carabiner is barely kinking the rope. However, there are many circumstances which will destroy this desirable line-up: the end with the figure eight may have been left short; the rope may slip round the pole; or the angle of pull may vary. There may, then, be real tension on the carabiner, kinking of the rope will occur, and some weakening will result.