How to Tie a Magnus Hitch

A magnus hitch is used to tie a rope to a pole and is most often used in sailing. It is a simple friction hitch used to prevent travel in one direction along the pole. A typical application would be in rigging a temporary stopper where the magnus hitch is moved along the pole to the desired level. Read on to learn how to tie a magnus hitch.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Position the pole so that it is horizontal with the rope on the right. Lay the working end of rope over the front of the pole and loop it under the pole from the top. Bring it back around to the front from the bottom and pass it under the standing end.

2. Form a complete turn around the pole to the right of the standing end again passing the working end around the pole from the top. After the turn has been completed, bring the working end up from the bottom of the pole and pass it over the standing end.

3. Pass the working end of the rope under the pole and bring it back around to the front from the top. Now push the working end through the loop you just created.

4. Dress the magnus hitch by making it snug around the pole before applying the load. This knot is similar to the rolling hitch but has less tendency to twist.

5. Ensure that the load is applied only in the direction of the standing end. In this example, the pull should only come from the right.

Resources

• More about tying knots on Real Knots