ROPE WORK 541 



HITCHES 



The Half Hitch. The half hitch, as shown in Fig. 331, 

 is not very secure, but is easily made. 



The clove hitch, as shown in Fig. 332, is 

 more secure than the half hitch. It is 

 often used to fasten timbers together. 



The Timber Hitch. The timber hitch, 

 (Fig. 333) is used in attaching a rope to 

 timber, for hauling, and similar purposes. Fig 331 Half 

 It is made by leading the end of the rope hitch - 



around the timber, then around the standing part, and back, 

 making two or more turns on its own part. The strain in 



the rope will prevent the rope 

 from slipping. 



The Blackwall hitch is used to 

 attach a rope to a hook; and, al- 

 though simple, it holds the end very 

 securely. See Fig. 334. 



Fig. 332. Clove hitch. J J? , ,. 



Two Half Hitches. Two half 



hitches may be used to good advantage, for they prevent 

 the rope from slipping under any strain. They are easy to 

 form, as may be learned from Fig. 335. 

 The Sheepshank. The sheepshank 

 is used in shortening a rope. It is 

 made by gathering up the amount to 

 be shortened and taking a half hitch 

 around each end, as shown in Fig. 

 336. If it is desired to make the 

 knots more secure, the ends of the 



, , ,, , ,, ,. , , Fig. 333. Timber hitch. 



rope may be passed through the bights. 



FINISHING THE END OF A ROPE 



Whipping. Whipping is one of the best ways of prevent- 

 ing a rope from raveling; and, as the size of the rope is not 



