Taut Line Hitch

The Taut Line Hitch is an adjustable friction hitch commonly used to maintain tension in a rope or tent line, particularly when the length of the line may need to be adjusted periodically. The knot works by sliding the hitch to adjust the size of the loop, thereby changing the effective length of the standing part without needing to retie the knot. The Taut Line Hitch grips securely when under load but remains adjustable when the tension is released. Multiple variations of the Taut Line Hitch exist, but the version shown here, ABOK #1856, is the form espoused by the Boy Scouts of America.

The Midshipman's Hitch, Taut Line Hitch, and Magnus Hitch have a muddled naming history that has caused all kinds of confusion over the years. The three hitches are closely related in structure and purpose, which has no doubt added to the confusion. To avoid ambiguity, Knots 3D refers to each by the Ashley reference number (ABOK #).

• Midshipman's Hitch -> ABOK #1855
• Taut Line Hitch -> ABOK #1856
• Magnus Hitch -> ABOK #1857

The term Taut Line is found as early as 1912 in Howard W. Riley's book 'Knots, Hitches, and Splices', although it is shown in the Midshipman's Hitch form. Additional confusion was introduced by the Boy Scouts of America who have published both the #1855 and #1856 knots as the 'Taut Line' in different editions of the Boy Scout Handbook. The current 13th edition of the Boy Scout Handbook illustrates #1856 for the Taut Line, but the 5th edition of the Handbook (years 1948–1959) illustrated #1855 — what we now call the Midshipman's Hitch — but referred to it as the Taut Line Hitch. This is unfortunate since the Midshipman's is likely a better knot for most things and the Boy Scouts would have been well served to stay with the 5th Edition illustration and name. Knots 3D currently uses the names defined by Wikipedia and they seem to be the most common at the moment. No doubt the naming confusion will continue for years if not centuries.

The Taut Line Hitch is closely related to the Two Half Hitches but with an additional inside turn.

The Taut Line Hitch should not be relied upon to hold securely under all conditions. With ropes made from particularly stiff or slick modern fibers, such as polypropylene, the hitch may struggle to hold effectively. Additional initial wraps and finishing with half hitches can improve its security. For a more reliable alternative, consider using the Midshipman's Hitch.