Description
A Becket Hitch is any hitch that is made on a fixed(permanent) loop (known as a becket). The Becket Hitch is popular in the hammock camping community due to its speed and simplicity to tie and untie (slipped version).
History
The Becket Hitch was given its name by Arctic explorer Admiral George Nares of the British Navy. The Becket Hitch is described in his book 'Seamanship', published in 1860, which was regarded as the best naval training manual of its day.
Structure
There are a number of becket hitches, however the most common is structurally similar to the Sheet Bend and is considered by Ashley to be the Becket Hitch proper. A Sheet Bend joins or 'bends' the ends of two ropes together. The Becket Hitch, on the other hand, attaches a rope to a closed eye and is a hitch rather than a bend. The fixed loop or 'becket' to which the rope is attached is often an eye splice, a fixed loop in webbing, or a metal eye.
Strength/Reliability
The Becket Hitch works well with sheathed rope or webbing. Thin or smooth cordage may slip but the Becket Hitch can be fortified with additional round turns taken above the first before the line's working end is brought back under itself. These variations may be referred to as a Double Becket Hitch, Triple Becket Hitch, etc.
Warning
Verify tying technique with a skilled instructor where knot failure could cause property damage, injury, or death.
Common Uses
- attach a rope to a loop in another rope or strap.
- fasten a line to the corner loop of a sail or tarp.
- secure a rope to a fixed loop or ring (becket).
- connect a thinner rope to a loop on a thicker one.
- attach a hammock to a suspension loop.
Found in
