5 steps
Marlinspike Hitch
A temporary hitch around a fid or a marlinspike so you can get a purchase to tighten another knot. Pull the spike out and the hitch disappears.
Use it for
A temporary hitch around a fid or a marlinspike so you can get a purchase to tighten another knot. Pull the spike out and the hitch disappears.
This line
Not a permanent join.
Avoid when
A finished splice. This hitch only gives you a handle.
All steps visible
Marlinspike Hitch
Step 1
Form a loop in the rope.
Step 2
Lay the spike across the loop.
Step 3
Fold a bight of the standing part over the spike.
Step 4
Pull the tag so the bight grabs the spike.
Step 5
Haul on the spike. Remove it to spill the hitch.
The drawing follows this tying order. Pause, step, or scrub to stay with the words. The standing line runs to the reel. The tag is the short end you trim. Skin-hook means the point lies flat in the plastic, not out where grass can grab it.
Common mistakes
- Leaving the spike in and calling it a finished knot.
- Loading it without the spike.