The rolling hitch is very useful knot to learn as it allows you to apply take the strain off another line or rope that is itself already under tension. It can be employed successfully for taking the strain off a rope that has a riding turn on a winch drum which unless the strain is released the only other alternative to free the line is to cut it, which will often render it useless.
As ever you can click on the pictures to make them bigger so you can more easily follow how to tie the knots.
Step 1. Take a turn around the rope under strain which for the purposes of this series of photos we are assuming is the white one.
Step 2 Take the working end of the rope around the rope under strain for a second turn, bringing it around on the inside of the first tun , in other words closer to the standing part.
Step 3. Pass the working end over the top of the rope under strain and bring back up passing it under itself.
Step 4. Snug everything down. Strain can now be applied to the standing part of the rope which will not slip thus enabling you to sort out the mess on the winch drum or whatever.
TIP. It also works well with chain. After anchoring for the night a rolling hitch tied around the anchor chain then taken back to a deck cleat or bollard allows the strain to be taken off the winch gypsy and prevents the constant rattle of the chain from keeping you awake at night.
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