Used to secure one line to another, for example a line being used to relieve tension on another, the Rolling Hitch remains most secure when load is applied from a direction roughly parallel or at an acute angle to the standing rope.
The Hitch is formed by taking a turn about the standing rope followed by a second crossing over itself. This immediately locks the line and a final Half Hitch finishes the whole thing off. Greatest security is achieved if the turns are put on with the lay of the standing rope.
Occasionally a very stiff or springy synthetic rope will not remain secure when formed into a Rolling Hitch. It slips simply because the turns cannot grip properly. In this case a third initial turn should be taken to help bind the rope to either spar or second rope.
