View source for Taut-line hitch

== Tying ==

=== #1855 ===
Ashley uses the name '''midshipman's hitch''' for this variation.  Based on rolling hitch #1735, this version is considered the most secure but may be more difficult to adjust after being heavily loaded.

[[Image:TautlineHitch-ABOK-1799.jpg|left|550px]] {{clear|left}}

# Pass the working end around the anchor object.  Bring it back alongside of the standing part and make a [[half-hitch]] around the standing part.
# Continue by passing the working end over the working part, around the standing part again and back through the loop formed in the first step.  ''Make sure this second wrap tucks in between the first wrap and the working part of the line on the inside of the loop.''  This detail gives this version its additional security.
# Complete with a half-hitch outside the loop, made in the same direction as the first two wraps, as for a [[clove hitch]].
# Dress by snugging the hitch firmly around the standing part.  Load slowly and adjust as necessary.

=== #1856 ===
Based on rolling hitch #1734, this version is the one most often seen named '''taut-line hitch''', typically in non-nautical sources.  It is the method currently taught by the [[Boy Scouts of America]].<ref name="bshb12">{{Citation|author=Boy Scouts of America|title=The Boy Scout Handbook|edition=12th|location=Irving|publisher=BSA|year=2009|page=385}}</ref>  The earliest [[Boy Scout Handbook]] to include the taut-line hitch was the 5th edition, published in 1948.<ref name="bshbhist5">{{Citation|title=The Boy Scout Handbook 1910-Today|first=Jeff|last=Snowden|edition=4th|year=2009|url=http://www.troop97.net/bshb_ed5.htm|publisher=Troop 97 BSA}}</ref>  However it illustrated #1855, the variant shown above.<ref name="bshb5">{{Citation|author=Boy Scouts of America|title=Handbook for Boys|edition=5th|publisher=BSA|year=1949|pages=94–95}}</ref>

[[Image:TautlineHitch-ABOK-1800.jpg|left|550px]] {{clear|left}}

# Pass the working end around the anchor object.  Bring it back alongside of the standing part and make a half-hitch around the standing part.
# Continue with another wrap inside the loop, effectively making a [[round turn]] around the standing part.
# Complete with a half-hitch outside the loop, made in the same direction as the first two wraps, as for a clove hitch.
# Dress by snugging the hitch firmly around the standing part.  Load slowly and adjust as necessary.

=== #1857 ===
Based on Magnus hitch #1736, this is exactly as above but with the final hitch in the opposite direction.  It can be more tricky to snug-up, since both lines emerge from the same side of the hitch, but it has less tendency to twist under load.
[[Image:TautlineHitch-ABOK-1800-reversed.jpg|left|550px]] {{clear|left}}

# Pass the working end around the anchor object.  Bring it back alongside of the standing part and make a half-hitch around the standing part.
# Continue with another wrap inside the loop, effectively making a round turn around the standing part.
# Complete with a half-hitch outside the loop made in the opposite direction than the first two wraps, as for a [[cow hitch]].
# Dress by snugging the hitch firmly around the standing part.  Load slowly and adjust as necessary.

This is the form most commonly used for aircraft tie-down.  One taut-line hitch is tied 15–30&nbsp;cm from the aircraft and adjusted for tension, then a second taut-line hitch is tied 5–20&nbsp;cm further from the aircraft and finished with a half-hitch.  Wind-induced lift tends to pull the knot tighter, gust-induced oscillations tend to damp-out, and once the half hitch is undone, pushing the lower working rope up easily releases both hitches even amid icing.