Slippery hitch
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| Slippery hitch | |
|---|---|
| File:SlipperyHitchOnRoyalYard.jpg | |
| Category | Hitch |
| Related | clove hitch |
| Typical use | To attach a line to a rod or bar. |
A slippery hitch is a knot used to attach a line to a rod or bar.[1] It does not provide great strength compared to some other knots, but it can be tied relatively quickly and released very easily.[2] These characteristics mean that it is used on square-rigged ships for securing the gaskets that bind stowed sails to the yards.
The slippery hitch is effectively a clove hitch finished with a slipped loop. To tie one, begin as for a clove hitch, but instead of passing the end of the line through the loop in the final step, pass a bight instead, leaving the end on the original side. Pulling on this end will release the hitch. If tied in a gasket, this will quickly release the sail.
