Trucker’s Hitch
Use a loop as a purchase to tension a line before securing it.
WHEN TO USE IT
- Tension a tarp line or tie down a bundle.
KEEP IN MIND
The loop and finish vary by method; this lesson uses an alpine butterfly and two half hitches.
Step-by-step
- Start with one rope
Keep the upper standing end fixed and the lower working end free.
- Lift a side loop
Lift a bight to the right of the standing line.
- Twist the loop once
Turn the bight to make the first opening.
- Twist again
Turn in the same direction to make a second opening.
- Fold the outer loop behind
Carry the outer closed fold behind the inner opening.
- Go around the inner loop
Carry the fold around the original inner opening.
- Bring the fold beyond the standing line
Keep both sides of the fold together as they pass outside the line.
- Return in front of the opening
Bring the same fold toward the front of the central opening.
- Pass through the middle
Draw the closed fold through the inner aperture from front to back.
- Extend the butterfly eye
Draw the loop out to the right.
- Dress the butterfly
Gather the collars around the standing line.
- Bring the end above the ring
Position the working end to enter the lower attachment.
- Pass through the ring
Take the end down through the metal eye and back upward around its upper bar.
- Raise the end to the butterfly
Bring the working end upward behind the existing loop.
- Pass through the butterfly eye
Pass from behind through the actual loop and return around its lower rim.
- Draw the end downward
Pull the working end down as the butterfly eye turns downward.
- Cross in front of both legs
Carry the end diagonally left across both lower rope legs.
- Go around behind both legs
Bring the end behind the pair and back to the right.
- Tuck the first half hitch
Take the end through beneath the crossing and draw it left.
- Wrap in the same direction again
Make a second turn around both lower legs.
- Tuck beneath the crossing
Pass under the diagonal to complete the second half hitch.
- Leave a short tail
The butterfly, lower ring and two half hitches are parts of one continuous rope.