HOME         Timber Hitch
This is one of the few classical hitches that is truly useful and reliable.  Its security is admirable and it always casts off without trouble after use.  Just remember that a true Timber Hitch must have at least three tucks trapped against the object. When using this hitch around a very large object you might have to put tucks of rope further back to ensure that three tucks stay clamped.  If you decide to use the Timber Hitch for any lengthwise pull, you should make sure that the wraps are made so that the pull will cause your tucks to tighten, not loosen. The one bad thing about this hitch is that it is so simple, that some don't take the time to really study and memorize it, and will sometimes wrap the rope around the wrong leg, which will not result in anything but junk.  Remember to wrap the rope back around the leg from where it just came (left side as shown above).  If you did, it should form an eye for the standing part to run through. Timber Hitch on the Bight Tumbling Timber Hitch The Timber Hitch on the Bight allows for secure hitching away from the rope ends and without access to the ends of your hitching object.  You merely take a long bight of rope and treat it like the end of the rope as you execute a Timber Hitch.  Both parts of rope emerging from the hitch can take full loading. The Tumbling Timber Hitch replicates some of the function of a Tumble Hitch in that after load is removed, the unused line can be pulled to roll the knot form around the hitching object until the hitch falls apart.  This hitch can also be tied away from the rope ends and without access to the ends of the hitching object.  It  may be the most stable hitch of this special class. Although it is almost impossible to release the Tumbling Timber Hitch until nearly all of the main load is removed, the same cautions that apply to the Tumble Hitch apply here.  (NKI 2/15/2011) Related pages:  Midspan Sheet Bend, Tumble Hitch, Pile Hitch, Gnat Hitch