Knots worth knowing, kept alongside Richard's Anthology of Goodness. Not in the printed book — this page is a later addition to the same collection.
The Farrimond Friction Hitch
An adjustable friction hitch that holds firm under load, slides freely when the load comes off, and unties in one pull. It is the knot to reach for on a tarp ridgeline, a guy line, or anything else you will want to tension now and strike in a hurry later.
Invented by Rodger Farrimond.
To tie
- Pass the rope around the anchor and bring the working end back across the standing part.
- Push a bight of the working end under the standing part to make the first loop.
- Pull a fresh bight of the working end through that loop, drawing it snug.
- Repeat — a new bight through each previous loop — at least three times. Each pass adds a rung to the chain and adds friction.
- Lock the chain off by passing a final bight through the last loop and dressing it tight.
To release
Pull the tail. The lock spills, the chain unravels, and the whole hitch falls apart in one motion, even after it has been loaded hard.
Notes
- Finish with a bight, never the bare end. Pulling the end through instead of a bight makes a permanent knot and gives up the whole point of the hitch.
- Three rungs is the minimum; add more for slick line or heavier loads.
- Slack off the load to slide the hitch and re-tension. Under load it does not creep.