How to Tie the Rolling Hitch
The Rolling Hitch
The Rolling Hitch is a friction hitch used to attach a rope to another rope, pole, or spar so that it grips securely when tension is applied in a specific direction. It is commonly used in sailing, rigging, climbing, and general rope work for transferring loads, tensioning lines, or attaching to an already loaded rope. Because it resists lengthwise movement while remaining adjustable when unloaded, it is one of the most versatile friction hitches.
Other Names: Magnus Hitch, Magner's Hitch
Rolling Hitch Instructions
Today, the Rolling Hitch is listed in The Ashley Book of Knots (ABOK #1734) and is recognized as a classic friction hitch. Its structure consists of multiple wraps around the object followed by a locking half hitch, allowing the knot to grip firmly when loaded in the intended direction. The Rolling Hitch performs best when tied so the wraps are positioned on the side from which the load will be applied, maximizing friction and preventing the hitch from slipping.
Key Considerations
Proper dressing of the Rolling Hitch is important to ensure the wraps lie neatly beside one another and the locking hitch is correctly positioned. The coils should be tightened evenly before loading so they grip the object securely without overlapping. As with all friction hitches, the knot should be tested after tying to verify it holds firmly in the expected direction of pull.
Advantages & Disadvantages
One of the key advantages of the Rolling Hitch is its ability to grip an already tensioned rope or cylindrical object without requiring access to either end. It can be tied quickly, adjusted when slack, and provides dependable holding power under steady load. These qualities have made it a trusted knot for sailors, climbers, arborists, and rope enthusiasts who need a reliable adjustable attachment in a wide range of rope-handling situations.
ABOK #1681 - Rolling Hitch
ABOK Numbers: Abok #503, Abok #1190, Abok #1465, Abok #1466, Abok #1681, Abok #1734, Abok #1735, Abok #1791, Abok #2555
The Rolling Hitch has endless entries in Ashley’s Book of Knots. So many that I may have missed some below. Many descriptions focus on the practicality and applications of the hitch in different occupations. You can read more on the relevance and with the images in the book itself. The entries are as follows:
Abok #503,
‘The ROLLING HITCH (#1734) is made fast to a drilling cable to support the drill, whenever it is necessary to overhaul the drum end of the cable.’
Abok #1465,
‘The ROLLING HITCH was formerly called MAGNUS HITCH and MAGNER’S HITCH. If the latter is correct, Mr. Magner is the only rival that Matthew Walker has. Of the latter, it has been said that he is “the only man to have a knot named for him.” The ROLLING HITCH is the best-known knot for bending a small rope to a larger taut one, and it is one of the most frequently used knots on shipboard.’
Abok #1466,
‘If the ROLLING HITCH is tied to an inert end and the final hitch, which terminates the knot, is taken reversely, there will be less tendency to twist than in 1465.’
Abok #1681,
‘The ROLLING HITCH was named by Dana in 1841 and the title is nowadays universally applied to the knot. But earlier authors, Lever, Biddlecomb and others, including Steel (1794), called it MAGNUS HITCH and sometimes MAGNER’S HITCH. KNOT #1721 was the original ROLLING HITCH (Falconer, 1769), but Dana and subsequent authors have renamed it “TWO ROUND TURNS AND TWO HALF HITCHES.”‘
Abok #1734,
‘The ROLLING H(1), formerly called MAGNUS and MAGNER’S HITCH, is simple to tie and the most reliable single knot under a lengthwise pull. It should be made and loaded carefully. This is the way the turns should be taken in bending to a spar.’
Abok #1735,
‘ROLLING HITCH (2). Here is the way the turns are taken in bending to a rope, which is similar to the arrangement of the turns in the MIDSHIPMAN’S HITCH (#1729).’
Abok #1791,
‘”MOORING HITCH” appears to be a fairly old name for the MAGNUS or ROLLING HITCH when made fast to a post. The merit of the hitch is that, when snugly applied, it will not slip down the post. Anyone who has found himself at full tide, after a hard day’s fishing, with his painter fast to a stake four or five feet below high-water mark, will be inspired to learn this knot. First make a round turn
below the standing part of the rope and then add a SINGLE HITCH above it.’
Abok #2555,
‘The MAGNUS or ROLLING HITCH is an exceedingly practical knot that is easily converted into a trick. Its success depends on the glibness of the performer. After the knot is tied, ask a spectator to pull on it strongly. Put your hand on the rope, ostensibly to find if it is working satisfactorily, and with an easy sweeping gesture slide the knot toward the puller, who will at once seat himself on the floor.
All humor, according to Mark Twain, is based on the enjoyment of a little suffering that is experienced by someone else.’
Disclaimer
The information on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, knot strength, security, and suitability can vary depending on rope type, condition, load, environmental factors, and how the knot is tied. Users are responsible for inspecting their equipment and verifying that a knot is appropriate for their intended use. Do not rely solely on the information provided here for activities involving personal safety, life support, climbing, rescue operations, heavy lifting, or other high-risk applications.
SCB Media Group assumes no responsibility or liability for any injury, loss, damage, or consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the knots and techniques described. Always seek professional instruction and follow applicable safety standards where appropriate.