Axle Hitch Tow Rope - Useful Knot for Dragging Heavy Objects - or Emergency Towing

[@KnottingKnots]

🛠 *Practical Knots* 🛠 kzbin.info/aero/PL7nysDkNnZHeCGqhDqTN8deGU4x6VnLb0

[@briancraig2288]

Johnny Debt ..........!

[@KnottingKnots]

????? Thanks for taking the time to view and also make a comment, very much appreciated. Are you more of a practical or decorative knotter?

[@DariusFLX]

It is impossible to imagine how anyone could instruct the tying of this knot any more clearly. Of all the very many knot instruction videos by numerous content creators that I have watched, this is by far the best presentation style.

[@KnottingKnots]

That is very kind of you!!! 😉 😉 😉 Thanks for taking the time to view and also make a comment, very much appreciated.

[@wesmartin937]

I love that you did that with the bowline, that’s hilarious! Great videos, very clear instruction.

[@MatCendana]

The fourth knot I've learned from this channel. I'm very sure this knowledge will be useful in the future. There are other channels that also teach about various knots but this is where I understand the steps significantly faster. Thanks for these "Knots for Dummies" videos.

[@reggierendert6494]

Dude I love your channel! This hitch is a favorite of mine. One day at work they were taking down a tree next to our building. A very skilled tree surgeon was up there taking it down chunk by chunk. He'd tie an axle hitch around each piece before felling it. He would just finish it off with an overhand knot and he had a stopper knot as well. Very quick to tie and after a log dropped, tightening the line just above the ground, it was easy for his coworkers to untie it.

[@KnottingKnots]

Always love to hear about knots being used in the field. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@edwardmcnulty8560]

My kids laugh when I combine your knotting with Austin Powers..You make it fun.. cheers

[@KnottingKnots]

It would seem that a few people find my style entertaining, whilst others really hate it. Maybe I should apply for a job in the film industry?

[@shellcrackerlover5889]

That's a very good effort on your part in explaining a rather challenging knot, IMHO. Last year I had to rescue two vehicles in the Kentucky winter snow and I used a round turn and two half hitches with excellent results.

[@KnottingKnots]

Oh yes, I only wanted to demonstrate that this was how Ashley's recommended it. I think if it were me, this is probably the last one I would thing of? Trouble is that I have learnt so many knots now and forgotten nearly as many. I think I will have to make myself a top 5 or 10 and stick to that.

[@shawnr771]

The bowline is a great knot. The description and instructions are easy to follow. Good content. I may get roasted here but oh well. When I was taught to tie knots. I was taught that a bowline should have a tail about the length of your tip of your thumb stuck out like you are hitch hiking to the opposite side of the palm. Also that ALL knots should finished off with a half hitch. Just in case the line pulls back through.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hello. I just discovered your channel when it popped up on my KZbin feed. I am a bushcrafter with a small YT channel. I am always looking for good information for my viewers and will likely use some of your knots in future videos, giving full credit to you of course. Thank you for the clear and detailed presentations

[@DrDavesDiversions]

Thanks much for this explanation, clear to a novice! Really nice content on the channel. I just used this knot to pull a boat lift ashore and published "Operation Boat Lift Lift: using snatch blocks to pull a boat lift ashore".

[@KnottingKnots]

Thanks for taking the time to view and also make a comment, very much appreciated.

[@tomthompson7400]

ive towed ships with a bowline and still been able to untie them ,,, other than that , an interesting video.

[@truthlies9708]

Agreed I’ve dropped plenty of timber on a bowline and comes undone like butter

[@leeblom5846]

I agree. The beauty of a bowline is that it is so easy to undo.

[@ocho27hd]

Not for me. I used a bowline on a shackle for tree work and could not undo it with ease. It took a bucket of soapy water and 30min to undo. To include another bowline on a bite. I see a 5/8 blue ox(rated at 8 tons). Knots almost melted together on a slow pull. What did I do wrong?

[@tomthompson7400]

@@ocho27hd you may have made a mistake in the way you tied the knot .. you simple break the last loop or bow and it can be undone ... its the thing that makes a bowlin so handy ... worth a closer look .

[@ocho27hd]

@@tomthompson7400 thanks for the tip I’ll work on it. It’s a 200’ $200 rope I’d hate to cut or ruin.

[@braided_punk]

I am a yachtsman from Russia very good video. Thanks!

[@KnottingKnots]

Where is your home port?

[@braided_punk]

I from St. Petersburg. facebook.com/marlboro.spb

[@KnottingKnots]

Well thank you so much for showing me that link. I remember many years ago when I was in the Navy, we came close to one of your sail training ships. She looked rather splendid in full sail!

[@braided_punk]

I and thought what you the seaman)) Appears - the military seaman! My respect! My grandfather was the officer of the Soviet Navy. He was at war in World War II on the Baltic Sea.

[@braided_punk]

I'm sorry, my Englich is not very good. But, I will study ))

[@glenward4474]

Thanks Knotty Johnny. I like this knot.

[@KnottingKnots]

Thanks for taking the time to view and also make a comment, very much appreciated. Are you more of a practical or decorative knotter?

[@davidwarren719]

I’ve used this knot to build an equalized redundant anchor for rappelling. I replaced the bowline with a retraced 8, because security was more important than ease of untying. Other knots could be used with this hitch in the middle of the line if I wanted to retrieve the rope from the bottom of the cliff. Cheers

[@KnottingKnots]

Always good to hear of knots being used in action. Thanks for taking the time to view and also make a comment, very much appreciated.

[@johnclark5775]

Thanks for the knowledge I’ve developed a interest in knots your videos have been extremely helpful

[@KnottingKnots]

Thinks about decorative knotting too, you can make useful stuff.

[@jaewok5G]

nice job on the instructions. I don't think I ever put my working end straight into a loop anymore - it's always a bight, for the quick pull release.

[@KnottingKnots]

Yes, I am the same as you. I find that if it is well dressed, then it will not trip accidental. Mind you, there will always be someone who wants to pull, just to see what happens!

[@auhmsoogood]

Really great. I was trying to use commen sence while using my climbing rope to rige something up to get myself out of a ditch... But this is way better!!

[@KnottingKnots]

Glad it helped! Thanks for taking the time to view and also make a comment, very much appreciated.

[@KevinDC5]

Two years later, I still flip through and refresh myself to your amazing videos JohnnyDee! You have a true talent for teaching. 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@KnottingKnots]

I also keep coming back to my channel to look at certain knots. The main reason I started this was for my personal reference...................... then I noticed that others were dipping into my library!!! Thanks for taking the time to view and also make a comment, very much appreciated.

[@evanf1443]

I had always heard and thought that one of the benefits of the bowline is that even after you apply tension it’s easy to undo. I’ve used it to pull boats onto a trailer when the carabiner wouldn’t work, had no issues undoing it and it was an old nylon strap

[@KnottingKnots]

I used to love the Bowline, then I discovered the Imitation Slipped Bowline. This has now become one of my go to knots. Some people say you should not use a slipped knot, but I say that you are the master of your own knots. Imitation Slipped Bowline: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4vWgYx3bsaUfac

[@miletello1]

@@KnottingKnots I learned it from you and I'm sold.

[@KnottingKnots]

@@miletello1 always good to learn new stuff 😉 😉 😉 Thanks for taking the time to view and also make a comment, very much appreciated.

[@crisjames4171]

Nice knot I've used this for ages ,however ,at the end Instead of looping end over I loop it through to make a slip knot ,makes it a bit easier to undo

[@KnottingKnots]

So good to hear someone has used this not in action!! I think if I were to do it for real, I would use an Imitation Slipped Bowline, would be so easy to undo as you say. Thanks for taking the time to view and also make a comment, very much appreciated.

[@crisjames4171]

@@KnottingKnots i love knots,grandad taught me a lot ,best advice he gave _ anyone can tie a knot but it takes a clever man to untie it ,look after your rope it could save your life one day _ nothing worse than being 50 foot up a tree stuck because your groundsman did it wrong and sent up a rats nest of rope ,used that dirty knot to pull a truck out once ,never again ,too heavy locked it allup and had to cut and throw my best rope away ,love your videos ,should be taught at schools

[@KnottingKnots]

@@crisjames4171 Cutting rope also costs!! I do love end of life rope, as it makes great mats.

[@anthonyjacobs6790]

Thank you.

[@KnottingKnots]

Thanks for taking the time to view and also make a comment, very much appreciated. Are you more of a practical or decorative knotter?

[@svcarlinabyandlarge1134]

Question about using this for towing a sailboat. I own a 50’ Monohull sailboat and have always wondered what the best hitch would be for towing if I ever needed a tow. Let’s see if I can draw you a picture. On each side of the vessel are large cleats that could be used for towing. Optimally, you want an equal amount of strain on both sides versus being pulled or towed from a single cleat. I am wonder if this axel hitch is my best choice... your thoughts??? The challenge is the cleats are about five feet back from the very nose of the vessel where I have two large anchors in addition to rigging for my head sail. The axel hitch would have to have large loops to reach back to be placed around each hitch and then tied forward of the anchor roller. These loops would have to be about six or seven feet. It seems doable and like a good option. Obviously, this would be done with large line probably 1” in diameter. I will practice this so I can execute it quickly if it is ever needed, but wanted to get your thoughts on using it in this application or if you have a better recommendation.

[@KnottingKnots]

A quick thought that comes to mind would be to possibly use the Spanish Bowline: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJWXoK2mrKynpK8 but I would say that this is very cord hungry? Or may be the the Portuguese Bowline: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4KmgJZrrbCcndE The thing about the the Axel Hitch, would be knot security with constant loading and unloading??

[@svcarlinabyandlarge1134]

Thank you. I will explore those other knots. I would think the loading and unloading would also be a issue for using the axel hitch for towing a car. I think my best option would be to rig a bridle and have it at the ready should it ever be needed. Thank you.

[@KnottingKnots]

@@svcarlinabyandlarge1134 As I was walking the dog this morning, I was thinking about your problem. Maybe have a length of line with and Alpine Butterfly Loop in the middle, then put your favourite loop of slip knot at each end of this line. Then you can attach a tow rope to the Alpine Butterfly Loop. If I recall correctly to avoid overloading this line, the maximum angle between the lines coming from the Alpine Butterfly is 120 deg. Alpine Butterfly: kzbin.info/www/bejne/houxZ2SuqZ6MbZI

[@emeggison]

This is another good option. I could use a cleat hitch at the cleats or a bowline however the bowline will be under a large load.

[@adriankerri890]

Good video, but I have to disagree about the bowline being hard to undo, I used bowlines daily with 65Pax vessels in rapid flowing water always reliable and always able to undo them.

[@talpolasarkar4567]

Excellent

[@KnottingKnots]

Thanks again for popping over and leaving the comment.

[@stuartpatton771]

You could always tie a figure of eight in the standing end and rethread it with the working end

[@TheHuntForSupper]

Would you recommend a stopper knot on the bowline? Great video bty.

[@KnottingKnots]

I always say that you are the master of your own knots, so do what suits you! Thanks for taking the time to view and also make a comment, very much appreciated.

[@sailor-rick]

Just discovered your channel. ANother subscriber. Good stuff.

[@KnottingKnots]

Thank you very much. Thanks for taking the time to view and also make a comment, very much appreciated.

[@hectorlucia7438]

Como siempre sus nudos muy practicos, seguro que no tardo en usarlo. Gracias por compartir.

[@KnottingKnots]

Me alegro de que le haya gustado, estoy seguro de que hay muchos usos para este.

[@stephanddd]

Did you know.... if at 3:22 , if you pull harder on the working end, it ends up inverting the standing end into a nipping loop .... and you're halfway to the Portuguese bowline!

[@KnottingKnots]

No, will have a look at that..................... thx

[@stephanddd]

@@KnottingKnots It's like starting a bowline as a half-hitch and pulling on the tag end to form the nipping loop

[@Captain_Bartolo]

Top hitch!

[@KnottingKnots]

Good to see you back again, it has been a while! Have you been knotting?

[@spuddy345]

Hmmm. Towing lines can be under a fluctuating load, I think I'd prefer a knot that might bind rather than a slipping knot, even if the bowline turns into a gopher knot afterwards. 😅

[@KnottingKnots]

always your choice of knot for the task at hand.

[@refaiabdeen5943]

Cheers Mate!

[@ephraimgarrett4727]

Knice knot! 😄👍

[@KnottingKnots]

Well, nice to know that it exists, not sure I would ever have to use it.

[@williamramsay346]

This guy reminds me of the science teacher at the beginning of the old "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" movie

[@jamieusername]

Would be nice if you show how it is used in the real world situation.

[@GABTICO94]

Use a double tag line on the bowline, that way you can just pull it out

[@lurchie]

Wouldn't a clove hitch with a couple of half hitches work just as well in this application?

[@KnottingKnots]

There are no hard and fast rules as to what you use to complete a task. This is only a video to demonstrate what can be used. You will also see that I deviated from what Ashley's suggested. Thanks for taking the time to view and also make a comment, very much appreciated. Are you more of a practical or decorative knotter?

[@lurchie]

I'm a camping / bushcraft knotter (I guess you'd call that practical). I'm always looking for new uses for knots. I find it interesting how so many knots are either variations or combinations of a few "traditional" knots. I appreciate your clear, concise instructions and explanations. Thanks for posting!

[@DonovanCYoung]

I was thinking the same, at least for finish... double half-hitches would be my go-to for finishing a knot like this. The Axel hitch will hold the strain, we just don't want the working end getting of "fiddely".

[@lucfournier3939]

Jeff Behn gotta agree but this channel provides lots of variant👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@zchuss1]

the last part of the hitch is really irrelevant as to what you tie as it is not load bearing and more of a fixture.. I have used many knots depending on the type of rope I use... If it's a very stiff rope or a webbing strap, I will choose to use a Marlin spike hitch for anything softer and flexible I will use a kalmyk or a truckers hitch as they can easily be undone... If I am towing a car I will use a Marlin spike hitch with a caribiner as the fiddle stick and also hook it round the rope going to the car pulling.

[@ogreunderbridge5204]

Is there a relative connection between naughty and knotty ?

[@HDHunterDad]

Depends how sexy your relatives are

[@5orgen51]

I use this to tie my sister's kids together when I babysit

[@KnottingKnots]

There are ones far better than this 😉 😉 😉

[@marshallcj1]

You should say "let's get knotty"

[@Daniel08353]

Noiiiceee!

[@KnottingKnots]

Thanks for taking the time to view and also make a comment, very much appreciated.

[@ManoyAndoi.JollyRogerHobbies]

I vote volume

[@daddydojang]

Turn the speed on 2x kids

[@jackmarage8138]

If your pulling a vehicle out of a mud hole and going around a axil why go through all of that. Just do a cow hitch or a clove hitch if you don't have a long anufe rope to do the cow hitch

[@KnottingKnots]

I am certainly not saying that this is the only way of doing something. Thanks for taking the time to view and also make a comment, very much appreciated. Are you more of a practical or decorative knotter?

[@darrellblanchard2362]

If a bowline is dressed properly it will not get too tight to untie

[@plunixx]

Clearly you don't do tree work.

[@waxhead63]

David Walliams does knots ... thankfully it was not Matt Lucas .. would have been a complete disaster

[@KnottingKnots]

Thanks for taking the time to view and also make a comment, very much appreciated.

[@Venom-nk8nd]

🇵🇬🇵🇬,,,

[@mfu9163]

Didn't have enough time to watch fully

[@KnottingKnots]

You are the master of your own keyboard, you can mute or play at 2x speed to ease your pain 😉 😉 😉

[@mfu9163]

@@KnottingKnots it's not about my impatience 😆

[@oldhardrock2542]

Too many words...

[@KnottingKnots]

You may then be interested in my less chat knot tutorials here: kzbin.info/aero/PL7nysDkNnZHc0Tba3EGCagrhA44Mu-MjO

[@bigbrother9531]

Too much repeatative talking. Almost unbearable, almost. You asked

[@martinpecheur8506]

Get on w it

[@martinpecheur8506]

Too much repetition..u know we can rewind the video?

[@ManoyAndoi.JollyRogerHobbies]

I vote bowline knot to finish it off. Maybe with another knot to secure the tag end. Another awesome video like always!

[@ΝεκΣολ]

Very detailed description. Only one thing to mention....The bowline is used from sailors exactly because, no matter how much weight or presure you put on it, you can very easily untie it even when the rope is wet

[@KnottingKnots]

Thanks for taking the time to share this information, I always love to hear about knots and cordage being used! Are you more of a practical or decorative knotter?

[@zchuss1]

Bowline is a very good knot unless the load is not constant and a bouncy pull can make a bowline come undone, this is why things like the yesomite finish came to be.

[@wantafastz28]

I've had to cut rope many times that had a bowline in it, you put some serious weight to them and it wont come out. Water bowline helps.

[@zchuss1]

wantafastz28 that's why I use a kalmyk or a Marlin spike hitch... If am dragging some very serious weight pulling a lorry off a bay or a forklift that sunk in soft ground and needs a tow out.. Always a Marlin spike hitch.. Or use a drag hitch.

[@wantafastz28]

david lacey I was posting to the NEK user... to say a bowline can be untied anytime is simply false. But yes I always back up my bowline with some sort of hitch when it is needed. :)

[@hugbearsx4]

05:18 That is NOT how to undo a bowline! If you only do it like this, no wonder you find it hard to untie after having it under tension. There's a proper way to do it. Look it up.

[@KnottingKnots]

Thanks for taking the time to view and also make a comment, very much appreciated.

[@CandC68]

Tension and stresses within a bowline. Imagine there is a tiny instrument that rides within the cord, and measures stress. As the imaginary instrument is running up the standing cord it first encounters some stress as it bends a bit passing the first contact with the knot. Then it passes that and encounters a reversal in direction at the sharpest corner and most load that the cord will encounter. That is where the cord will break. If you put a bite into the end of the cord as it completes the bowline tie, it will increase the material under that sharpest corner. Distributing the stress over a slightly larger "corner." Beyond the actual bowline the load is distributed to multiple parts of the end loop. So the bowline is the weakest part of this hitch. At that first single standing cord making it's sharpest turn. Soften that turn and the knot will be stronger, and be easier to untie. I made a knot that was similar to a prusik. It seemed to be a bit (11%) stronger than a bowline. But not usable for all situation. The standing part went straight through the knot, and the working end wrapped around the standing part like a tightening fist.

[@Whiskey3pa]

A handy, different way to skin a cat. Sometimes spreading the pulling load helps and this is a way to do that. Well described.

[@KnottingKnots]

Thanks very much Michael, I saw a video little while ago of it being used to pull palettes of a truck.

[@bigviper64]

Its a pretty “intense” knot, I like the design of it and am wondering how it can be used around the camp site..

[@5orgen51]

You can knot use it at a camp site

[@HDHunterDad]

Ba-dum....psss

[@nickchristopoulos9613]

good one mate! I"ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!!!

[@KnottingKnots]

Well, glad to have helped ;-) Thanks for taking the time to view and also make a comment, very much appreciated. Are you more of a practical or decorative knotter?

[@lloydwhite3198]

Great video. Real clear. Godspeed.

[@PatriotPups2024]

The only way to watch your video is to silence completely your too-many-words, to simply watch what you do, and how you do it. Your words add too much time to each of your videos; and, candidly, your words distract from your knots.

[@KnottingKnots]

Yes, mute is good, so is playing the video at 2X speed. You may be interested that I have done a less chat selection of knot here: kzbin.info/aero/PL7nysDkNnZHc0Tba3EGCagrhA44Mu-MjO

[@threeriversforge1997]

The only problem I see with that slipped knot at the end is that it appears to be only secure under tension. If you were pulling on something, like a cart, there is a lot of time that all the tension is removed, like when you're backing up to get another go at it. I don't see a bowline as being a bad not to use, and you can put a bite in them to make it a slipped version. However, I've always found them perfectly easy to undo once tension is removed. Of course, I've never tried to undo one after hundreds of pounds of force has pulled it taut, either.

[@KnottingKnots]

Yes, it does need to be constantly loaded. I think the idea was the the ease of use, if it had to be used many, many times.............. must look this one up again.

[@addub25]

Just cause you doubled the rope over the axle doesn't mean it's any stronger lol cause you are still pulling with a single rope so you might as well just use a clove hitch or just a bowline straight on the axle 😆 if you're looking for more strength just use two ropes lol

[@ashrafasmajaya8617]

Aside from too much talking, it was still a great tutorial. Thank you kind sir!

[@KnottingKnots]

If you prefer videos that are straight to the point, you may then find this knotting playlist more suitable: kzbin.info/aero/PL7nysDkNnZHc0Tba3EGCagrhA44Mu-MjO

[@mrobvious5892]

Just use a bowline knot, I’ve pulled on them full force with pick up trucks, The loop doesn’t close up, it doesn’t slip and you can still untie it by hand 🖐 Why use anything else????😁. Why???

[@KnottingKnots]

Yes, just learn the Bowline and be done with it, but then, would not be much of a knotting channel.

[@mrobvious5892]

@@KnottingKnots knots are fun for the feeble minded when elaborated upon too much. Learn the most useful assortment for your needs and Move On!! Who cares if there are 50,000 different ones out there if you only need 10 or 20????

[@jonathanloza1062]

Super helpful now I need someone in my other car sucks when u have a family member with a broke. Leg

[@glenward4474]

I like your detailed instructions

[@KnottingKnots]

Many thanks for that Glen, I often get criticism for being too detailed, but I think that some people do want that.

[@HoIyKnight007]

dont know if ive ever seen a truck without an axle, lol

[@KnottingKnots]

Not being a motor head, I do not know the answer to that??

[@selimtv3428]

too much talking

[@KnottingKnots]

You may prefer ............. Less Chat Knotting Videos: kzbin.info/aero/PL7nysDkNnZHc0Tba3EGCagrhA44Mu-MjO

[@louisthecat4332]

Very helpful

[@KnottingKnots]

Glad you think so! Thanks for taking the time to view and also make a comment, very much appreciated.

[@stevebounds4285]

I am newish to knots but my only concern with the Bowline in a towing application would be it coming untied while its put under pressure then slackened and dragged on the ground then re-tightened over and over in a vehicle tow situation. Otherwise I like this knot...

[@KnottingKnots]

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Over time I have found that the Bowline if tightened and dressed correctly, does not easily shake loose. However, this may also depend on how slippery a rope is. If you did want additional security, then maybe the Ampersand Bowline is quick and easy to tie: igkt-solent.co.uk/ampersand-bowline/

[@pau11yify]

in some situations I might be worried about the loops on the axle drifting inward. I suspect adding a round turn with your initial bight around the axle might help. the extra turn would be on the inside, in the same vein as initial steps of a prussik hitch. nice knot!

[@pau11yify]

... I don't know how good the axle hitch is at equalizing. but my extra turn may inhibit that. something to experiment with and look out for.

[@MrJbaker020]

Excellent knot. Another tool in my toolbox

[@luissonoma6255]

Interesting!!!

[@skeetersaurus6249]

I stared at this for 2-minutes, and couldn't quit asking myself, "and, what exactly is the problem with a Prussic knot, that it wouldn't work in this exact same situation...since it's designed to be a 'high tensile pulling knot'?' Then I realized, this is KZbin, and logic really falls apart once you start looking at videos and clicking links.

[@sunofpeter2]

Holy repetitiveness batman

[@theloneracer1935]

Pure smut at 2:58 if rope porn is your thing 🔥