Trucker's Hitch

Tying procedure — Trucker's Hitch

1. Step 01 / 4

   Make one end of the line fast to the first anchor point, for example with a bowline over a rail or a cleat hitch, then lead the line toward the second anchor.

   You should now see: One end secure at the first anchor and the line running toward a second fixed point, such as a hook, cleat or rail, that it can pass around.

   If it goes wrong: Reaching for this hitch as a snubber on anchor chain. It tensions a line between two fixed points and has no turns that grip, so nothing holds it in place on the chain.

   Fix: Keep the trucker's hitch for pulling a line tight between two fixed points. To grip another rope, use a friction hitch such as a rolling hitch.

   Why: The rope from this first anchor is the standing part. The loop you tie in it next works as a crude pulley against the second anchor.

   Step 1 of 4 · move 1 of 1

   Secure the first end and run the working end toward the second anchor

   Hold: Left hand keeps the first end secure and the standing line straight

   Move: Right hand takes the working end down toward the second anchor

   You should now see: One secure end, a straight standing line, and enough working end to reach the second anchor and back.

2. Step 02 / 4

   Partway along the standing part, tie a fixed loop that keeps its shape when pulled toward the second anchor, such as a directional figure eight or an alpine butterfly.

   You should now see: A firm loop standing out of the line between the anchors, which keeps its size when you pull it hard toward the second anchor.

   If it goes wrong: Tying a loop that shrinks or slides under the pull, such as a directional figure eight loaded from the wrong end, which turns into a noose. Under purchase it collapses and the tension drops.

   Fix: Pull-test the loop toward the second anchor before going on. If it shrinks or slides, retie it the other way round or tie an alpine butterfly, which takes load from either direction.

   Why: Leave enough line between the loop and the second anchor to pull through. A directional figure eight can be hard to undo after a shock load, while an alpine butterfly stays reasonably easy to untie.

   Step 2 of 4 · move 1 of 1

   Tie a directional figure-eight loop in the standing line, facing the second anchor

   Hold: Left hand holds the standing parts above and below the loop location

   Move: Right hand forms a bight, takes it behind and around the standing part, then through the base loop

   You should now see: A fixed inline eye pointing toward the second anchor; pulling the lower standing leg does not collapse the eye.

3. Step 03 / 4

   Take the tail around the second anchor, bring it back through the loop, and pull it toward the second anchor in line with the rope until the line is as tight as you need.

   You should now see: The tail doubled back through the loop and the line between the anchors tight, with the loop drawn toward the second anchor.

   If it goes wrong: Heaving on the tail at an angle, or much harder than the job needs. A sideways pull tightens less, and the purchase can build enough force to bend a rail or break a light line.

   Fix: Stand so you pull straight along the rope toward the second anchor, and stop once the line is firm. Ease off if a rail or fitting starts to flex.

   Why: The loop and the anchor give a theoretical 3:1 purchase. Rope running over rope makes a lot of friction, so the real gain is much less.

   Step 3 of 4 · move 1 of 1

   Take the tail round the second anchor, back through the fixed loop and pull tight

   Hold: Left hand keeps the directional loop dressed and aimed toward the anchor

   Move: Right hand passes the tail round the anchor, up through the loop, then hauls the free end

   You should now see: Two loaded legs between loop and anchor, with the free tail through the fixed loop and the system holding tension.

4. Step 04 / 4

   Pinch the tail against the loop to hold the tension, then tie two half hitches with the tail around the doubled line just below the loop, both made in the same direction.

   You should now see: Two half hitches snug under the loop, lying the same way round like a clove hitch, and the line still tight when you let go of the tail.

   If it goes wrong: Letting go of the tail before it is locked, which dumps the tension at once, or making the second half hitch in the opposite direction to the first, so the pair does not sit as a clove hitch.

   Fix: Pull the tension back in, pinch the tail at the loop, and tie both half hitches the same way round. Check the line again once the load has settled.

   Why: Rope stretches and loads settle, so a line that was tight when tied can slacken. Low-stretch polyester or good three-strand nylon holds tension better than cheap polypropylene, which gives it back.

   Step 4 of 4 · move 1 of 2

   Tie the first half hitch round both loaded legs just below the fixed loop

   Hold: Left hand pinches the tensioned tail against the doubled purchase

   Move: Right hand takes the tail over both legs, behind them, and through its own loop

5. Step 4 of 4 · move 2 of 2

   Tie a second half hitch the same way, then slide both hitches together and set them snug

   Hold: Left hand holds the first hitch against the doubled purchase

   Move: Right hand repeats the hitch in the same direction, slides both together, then pulls the free tail to set them

   You should now see: Two same-direction half hitches around the doubled purchase, together below the fixed loop, with tension unchanged.