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How do I tie a trucker's hitch?

Original Post
Panda Express · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2012 · Points: 30

So basically I've heard of something called a "trucker's hitch". This is purportedly used to tie off chickenheads and is more secure than a girth hitch. I would definitely like to know how to do this since I've had a few hitched slings slip off on a climb! Please post a or link or something if you know.

Marlin Thorman · · Spokane, WA · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 2,415

Try here for the truckers hitch. animatedknots.com/truckers/

The site has lots of really good step by step pictures of how to tie all the common knots.

Panda Express · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2012 · Points: 30

Great, Thanks for the link. A few questions:

1) i don't have any straight one strand cord or webbing, all my fabric is sewn or waterknotted end to end as slings, can I use a truckers with these too? this is not depicted in your link

Tug · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2007 · Points: 0

A trucker hitch is really no different than a girth hitch. Use a slip knot for chicken heads. It will cinch down better than a trucker/girth hitch.

Wilson On The Drums · · Woodbury, MN · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 940

+1 for the slip knot

Panda Express · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2012 · Points: 30

I've been experimenting in the last few minutes, with a brand new 10mm dynemma sling.

Based on Marlin's link, I've been able to use the noose produced in steps 1-5 to tie a knot that is locked or at least moves far less than a girth hitch, so it won't expand and slip off a chicken head. This is very different than girth hitch.

A slip knot appears works great if pulled on one strand, the knot tightens. However pulling on the other strand opens up the knot. This suggests slip knots wont work better than girth hitchens if using a sling on a chickenhead.

Tug · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2007 · Points: 0

Then don't pull on the other strand.

Panda Express · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2012 · Points: 30

I'll tell my carabiner that when it is clipped to the sling hitched to the chickenhead.

Tug · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2007 · Points: 0

I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out.

Noah J · · Desert, NM · Joined Apr 2012 · Points: 446

If you don't want it to slip and want to use a runner then any of the common friction hitches will work fine. A simple hedden knot would fit the bill.

bradyk · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2010 · Points: 141

Truckers Hitch and a Slip Knot are pretty much the same thing and are better to use on chickenheads and horns than a girth hitch.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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