Grapple Hitch

Description

The grapple hitch is an adjustable friction hitch that can be readily moved along the rope when slack and locks when tension is applied. It consists of several wraps around the standing part with the working end passing back through the wraps.

Common Uses

Used for tensioning lines, adjusting guy ropes, and any application requiring a hitch that can be repositioned without untying.

When to Choose This Knot

Choose this knot when fastening rope to an object, spar, rail, post, ring, or another rope. Hitches depend heavily on friction and the shape of the object they wrap around.

Safety Notes

• Test the hitch under controlled load before relying on it.
• Avoid sharp edges and smooth surfaces that can let the hitch roll or slide.
• Use extra turns, backups, or a different hitch if the load may cycle or change direction.

How to Tie

1. 1Wrap the working end around the standing part three to four times.
2. 2Pass the working end back through the wraps from the bottom up.
3. 3Pull the working end to snug the wraps together.
4. 4Slide the hitch to adjust its position along the rope.
5. 5Apply tension to the standing end to lock the hitch in place.

Common Mistakes

• Tying around an object that is too smooth, tapered, or unstable.
• Loading the hitch before the wraps are snug and aligned.
• Forgetting that many hitches release quickly when the load direction changes.

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