In this Knot of the Week, Bryan demonstrates the versatile Taut Line Hitch. This is a great knot for any application requiring varying tension, such as securing a load or rigging up a tarp shelter.
In addition to tying the knot, Bryan also offers a look at how the smaller version of the knot fits onto our ongoing DIY Knot Board Display.
Taut Line Hitch » Hitches
(Strength: 3/Security: 3/Stability: 3/Difficulty: 3) See below for what these ratings mean.
Whether you’re securing a load for travel or need adjustable lines for your tent stakes, the Taut Line Hitch is the knot to choose. Tying this knot allows you to create an adjustable line that won’t slip under load. As you’ll see in the video above though, it’s important to pay attention to how you’re tying this knot to ensure it’s tied in the strongest configuration.
Ratings
Strength/Security/Stability/Difficulty
Each knot will be assigned a rating from 1-5 (1 representing the lowest score) based on the following four properties:
Strength – All knots will weaken the strength of a rope, however, there are knots that are stronger than others. The scale here will reflect how strong the rope remains with the specified knot.
Security – The security scale refers to how well the knot will stay tied, and resist coming loose under a normal load.
Stability – Stability refers to how easily the knot will come untied under an abnormal load (i.e. the knot being pulled in a direction it was not intended to) A lower score here represents instability.
Difficulty – The lower the number, the easier a knot is to tie.