Knotting Shed - Hitches

Icicle Hitch

A fantastic new hitch for the up-to-the-minute Arborist. Well not exactly new, it's been around for some time now in the sailing world but only recently used as a tree-climbing friction hitch.

It is the only hitch known to grip a tapering spar, and if it grips a taper it will grip anything! And grip it does, if tied and set correctly (min of 3 wraps) it will not slip but will release freely to push up a climbing line. Works well with 10.5 mm rope as shown.

You saw it here first!

 

Gripping Hitch

 

Developed from the Sailors Hitch this friction hitch has a ferocious grip, tied with a minimum of three wraps, and set properly, this makes an excellent friction hitch to add to the Arborists arsenal of knots & hitches!

 

 

Distel Hitch

 

Another hitch worth mentioning is the distel friction hitch, developed by Uli Distel. This friction hitch provides good grip but also releases freely, a very good hitch for the modern climber.

 

 

 

Schwabish

 

Pronounced 'Sway-bish' this is another worthy contender in the modern friction hitch world, developed by Beddes Strasser - this again has loads of grip and releases freely when you slide it up the rope. Try it!!

 

 

 

Knotting Shed Contents | Strops | Slings