Draw Hitch

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This is a neat quick-release knot that can hold a considerable strain. It’s ideal for reliably securing a boat to a mooring (or horse to a hitching post) with the assurance that you can easily release the knot with a simple tug and quickly be on your way. And all you need is one hand to do it.

In addition to securing the end of a line to a fixed point, the draw hitch can be tied in the middle of the line resulting in two ends of the rope hanging down equally. This way, you can retrieve a long rope that is used as a hauling line to help hoist a tall structure.

1) Place a large bight in the desired part of the line, behind the spar (as shown in the left photo, below).
2) Form a small bight on the left side, under the spar, and carry it over the front (as shown in the middle photo, below).
3) Pass this left side bight through the top of the large bight, and tighten this by pulling up on the left side bight and down on the right side (as shown in the right photo, below).

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4) Next, form a small bight on the right side, under the spar, and carry it over the front (as shown in the left photo below).
5) Pass this right side bight through the left side bight (as shown in the middle photo below).
6) Tighten this by pulling up on the right side bight and down on the left side (as shown on the right photo below). Apply strain by pulling on the left. Release the knot by pulling on the right.

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PIONEERING — USES

  • When hoisting a large structure that is not intended for climbing, e.g. a tall gateway, and the lines you’re using for lifting and preventing over pulling are not guylines, tie the middle of the hoisting ropes to the structure with draw hitches. Then, when the structure is standing, these lines can be easily removed with a simple tug on the free end.
  • Great for bundling coils of lashing ropes.