Trucker's hitch
Also: Wagoner's hitch, lorry driver's hitch, power cinch
Tensions lines hard like a small pulley, e.g. a washing line or tarp ridgeline.
Difficulty: Medium
Step 1 of 6Make a ring in the line. Step 2 of 6Pull a bight from the end side through the ring: your loop. Step 3 of 6Lead the end down and around the peg. Step 4 of 6Pass it through the loop and pull the line down tight. Step 5 of 6Hold the tension and tie a half hitch around both strands. Step 6 of 6Add a second half hitch below and pull it snug.
Pros
- Puts much more tension on the line than a simple knot.
- You can re-tension and secure it again.
Cons
- More steps than other knots, takes a little practice.
- The line rubs in the loop and wears there.
- After heavy load the hitches are hard to untie.
Holding and untying
Holds well as long as the half hitches sit tight. After heavy load it is hard to untie.
Suitable rope
Washing, tarp and guy lines. Smooth lines slip more easily in the loop.
Common mistake
The bight comes from the part going to the tarp. Then the loop can close up.
How to check it
Pull the part going to the tarp: the loop should stay open, the hitches tight.
Related knots
The most useful knots for tarp, tent and line, step by step.
Open in the knot guide in the appIn the app the knot guide also works offline.