How to Tie a Taut-line Hitch

Nowadays, if you need to securely tie down a tarp, or a tent, or anything else, they come with those little plastic sliders. You know, the ones you squeeze to move and then when you release them they tighten up? What happens if you need to secure a line and you don't have one of those, or if it breaks? Well, then you tie a taut-line hitch.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Make a loop in the end of your line so that you have a short length of rope to work with. You want just enough extra length to tie the knot. (You can practice this on any piece of string until you get the hang of it.)

2. Take the end of your short length and loop it over the longer piece so that it passes INSIDE the loop. This is important, because if it doesn't pass inside, the knot won't work. (You'll have a knot, but it won't be the taut-line hitch.)

3. Repeat step 2, until you have two tight coils on the inside of your bigger loop. This will form the main base of your knot and provides the gripping part of the taut-line hitch.

4. Then, take the end and pass it around the outside of those two coils, looping it over your longer piece of rope, above where you first started tying the knot. Again, loop it to the inside, in the same direction as you did the first loop around.

5. Pull on the loose end to tighten the knot. It should firm up the coils, and still slide easily on the rope.

Tips & Warnings

• Tension in your rope will keep the hitch tight, so adjust the placement of the knot accordingly by sliding it into place.
• This is not a safety hitch and should not be used in a rescue situation.