An icicle hitch is a
knot
A knot is an intentional complication in cordage which may be practical or decorative, or both. Practical knots are classified by function, including hitches, bends, loop knots, and splices: a ''hitch'' fastens a rope to another object; a ' ...
that is excellent for connecting to a post when weight is applied to an end running
parallel
Parallel is a geometric term of location which may refer to:
Computing
* Parallel algorithm
* Parallel computing
* Parallel metaheuristic
* Parallel (software), a UNIX utility for running programs in parallel
* Parallel Sysplex, a cluster of IBM ...
to the post in a specific direction. This
type of hitch will hold its place even when holding a substantial load on a smooth surface. One can even suspend from a tapered post (such as a
marlinspike
A marlinspike (, sometimes spelled marlin spike, marlinespike, or rchaicmarlingspike) is a tool used in marine ropework. Shaped in the form of a polished metal cone tapered to a rounded or flattened point, it is used in such tasks as unlaying ...
) with this knot (hence the name "icicle hitch").
[Brion Toss, ''The Complete Rigger's Apprentice'' (Camden: International Marine, 1998), 55–56.]
To tie an icicle hitch, bring the
working end
A knot is an intentional complication in cordage which may be practical or decorative, or both. Practical knots are classified by function, including hitches, bends, loop knots, and splices: a ''hitch'' fastens a rope to another object; a ' ...
over the post, front to back, four or five times, working away from the end of the post (and the direction of expected pull). Bring the working end, back to front, alongside the
standing end
This page explains commonly used terms related to knots.
B
Bend
A bend is a knot used to join two lengths of rope.
Bight
A bight has two meanings in knotting. It can mean either any central part of a rope (between the standing end a ...
, leaving a substantial
bight
The word is derived from Old English ''byht'' (“bend, angle, corner; bay, bight”). In modern English, bight may refer to:
* Bight (geography), recess of a coast, bay, or other curved feature
* Bight (knot), a curved section, slack part, or loo ...
hanging behind the post. Bring this bight over both ends and over the end of the post. Tighten by pulling both ends perpendicular to the post. The pull on the standing end (running the direction of the post) will tighten the knot as more pull is given.
This knot is in the class of knots as the Prusik, klemheist, & Hedden knots --the "slip-and-grip" friction type, which pull tight when the load is applied (in the correct direction) and slide easily for re-placement with no load. The Prusik knot can withstand load in both directions, making it ideal for climbing situations. The icicle, like the klemheist, attaches to the hitched object and coils away from its pulling end, and relies on a constriction like the Chinese finger trap --under pull, the coil is drawn longer and thus tighter; whereas in the Hedden (& rolling hitch) the loading tightens the coil at its far end.
The icicle hitch was developed by John Smith of the International Guild of Knot Tyers
ic and demonstrated by him at the eighth Annual General Meeting of the
International Guild of Knot Tyers
The International Guild of Knot Tyers (or IGKT) is a worldwide association for people with an interest in knots and knot tying.
Formation and beginning
Officially established in 1982, the founding members were initially drawn together by the ...
in 1990. It was published in the IGKT's quarterly newsletter, Knotting Matters, in issue #32 (Summer 1990), pp.6,7.
Tying
Image:bobmcgricicle1.jpg, Pull direction is LEFT, so make 5 turns to the RIGHT...
Image:bobmcgricicle2.jpg, Drape working end over rod so it hangs beside standing part...
Image:bobmcgricicle3.jpg, Loop the bight created around working and standing parts and over end of rod.
Image:bobmcgricicle4.jpg, Set up tight...
Image:bobmcgricicle5.jpg, Knot is now secure when pulled toward the left.
See also
*
List of knots
This list of knots includes many alternative names for common knots and lashings. Knot names have evolved over time, and there are many conflicting or confusing naming issues. The overhand knot, for example, is also known as the thumb knot. The ...
*
List of friction hitch knots
A friction hitch is a kind of knot used to attach one rope to another in a way that is easily adjusted. These knots are commonly used in climbing as part of single-rope technique, doubled-rope technique and as "ratchets" to capture progress on a ...
References
External links
Watch how-to-tie video:
{{Knots