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OldFrog75 · 04-08-2014, 07:43

I needed to get some extra leverage on a tight line the other day so I tied another line to it with what I'll call a rolling sheet bend since it's the same knot but on a straight, tensioned line rather than a loose, bent one.

It worked but is there a more suitable alternative?

**carstenb** · 04-08-2014, 08:17

Bet a beer that Seaworthy Lass will be along shortly with a wide array of suitable alternatives

OldFrog75 · 04-08-2014, 08:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by carstenb

Bet a beer that Seaworthy Lass will be along shortly with a wide array of suitable alternatives

I know that's right. Probably should have just addressed the OP to her attention.

**David M** · 04-08-2014, 09:23

Try a rolling hitch. It creates more friction on the standing end than two half hitches or a clove hitch.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...-ABOK-1734.jpg

If you want to create a purchase then try a truckers hitch.

http://www.survivalworld.com/images/...rs_hitch_2.gif

jeepbluetj · 04-08-2014, 09:52

I am not anywhere near being a knot geek, but I believe the classic solution is a rolling hitch.

If I had this problem (classic example is winch override) I would go below, find my chapmans, and quickly (re)learn how to tie a rolling hitch.

Seaworthy Lass or some other knotty expert will have all kinds of wonderful alternatives.

**Seaworthy Lass** · 04-08-2014, 10:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldFrog75

I needed to get some extra leverage on a tight line the other day so I tied another line to it with what I'll call a rolling sheet bend since it's the same knot but on a straight, tensioned line rather than a loose, bent one.

Hi OldFrog
I am struggling to imagine the knot you are describing, but as DavidM and JeepBlue suggested, I too would use use a rolling hitch, making sure the tail of the additional line was initially taken around the tight line in the direction the pull was to be applied. This is important, as it will slip otherwise.

This is an extremely useful hitch if you manage to get anything like fingers caught in a sheet winch. This is one I would practice regularly for this purpose, as the direction it is tied is critical and every second counts in a situation like this. I keep a few metres of 10 mm line under the dodger for this purpose (needs to be long enough and thick enough to reach another winch it can be used on, as there may be too much tension on the line to hold it by hand).

Tests have shown that the icicle hitch slips less in this application, but in an emergency I am much more familiar with a rolling hitch and I think it would suffice.

Another turn around the rolling hitch before the half hitch is tied to secure it will also help it to grip.

If it is not an emergency, and the line is slightly slippery, it is useful to have the icicle hitch up your sleeve if the rolling hitch fails.

**Seaworthy Lass** · 04-08-2014, 10:11

I forgot to add there are two versions of the rolling hitch - one can be used on a pole, but is less suitable for a line. In this version the intial turn does not overlap the line, but is simply wrapped adjacent to it. Don't use this version.

It helps tremendously to keep tension applied to the initial turn with your other hand as you are finishing it off with the half hitch.

I will take some photos in a sec.

SaltyMonkey · 04-08-2014, 10:17

Oh come on SWL! We know you would Zeppelin for anything!

**Seaworthy Lass** · 04-08-2014, 10:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaltyMonkey

Oh come on SWL! We know you would Zeppelin for anything!

LOL, I did tell you once I was faithful to no knot

.

**Seaworthy Lass** · 04-08-2014, 10:42

This is how the rolling hitch should look when tied correctly to take the load off a taut line:

OldFrog75 · 04-08-2014, 10:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seaworthy Lass

Hi OldFrog
I am struggling to imagine the knot you are describing,

If you reverse engineer a sheet bend by loosening the knot and then straightening the normally bent line you will see what I'm talking about but the rolling hitch seems to work - didn't expect it not to slip so I never thought to try it.

**Seaworthy Lass** · 04-08-2014, 10:47

And this is the wrong way to tie a rolling hitch if the pull needs to be in this direction:

(The way I remember it it to wind the tail around initially on the side you want to be pulling, not as shown below)

**Seaworthy Lass** · 04-08-2014, 10:49

And this is the incorrect version of the rolling hitch to use in this application. This is only suitable on a pole (the correct version can be used on either):

**Seaworthy Lass** · 04-08-2014, 10:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldFrog75

If you reverse engineer a sheet bend by loosening the knot and then straightening the normally bent line you will see what I'm talking about but the rolling hitch seems to work - didn't expect it not to slip so I never thought to try it.

Got it, but I couldn't get it to grip at all.
Will photograph it in a sec.