Munter Hitch / Italian Hitch. What is it and what are the different versions and tricks.

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[@vien4875]

The Italian name checks out. In Germany, we call a clove hitch "Mastwurf" which means a hitch tied on a mast on a boat. The Italian hitch is called "Halbmastwurf" (half a clove hitch) or HMS for short. It's also where the name for the carabiner type comes from (I believe it was originally coined in Austria) that accommodates the extra space for a hitch.

[@JBMountainSkills]

Excellent, thanks for sharing!

[@vbregier]

And same in french ! Clove hitch = nœud de cabestan (litteraly : capstan knot), often shortened as cab’ Munter hitch = nœud de demi-cabestan (half capstan knot), often shortened as demi-cab’

[@beardymike77]

To expand on the HMS bit, the s is short for Sicherung, so you would say Halb Mastwurf Sicherung Karabiner which means Half Hitch Belay Karabiner. The right tool for the job :)

[@wetl2628]

In dutch it's a 'dubbele mastworp' and 'halve mastworp'. So the same.

[@mastheadmike]

This is a snapshot of the beauty of the internet! I learned something and in so many languages. Love it.

[@drytool]

The Super Munter is great. When used for rappeling it removes the twist that the regular Munter puts in the rope. I used to use it for lowering 10' microwave dishes off towers even pulling them down with a cathead in a trolley set up.

[@jonwilson8178]

I've been trad climbing and multipitch trad for about 15yrs and love brushing up on my skills by watching and practicing your vids. Cheers JB

[@JBMountainSkills]

Glad you like 'em!

[@NullisNaN]

yOOO. That guide mode munter. Nice!

[@JBMountainSkills]

Handy one to know!

[@MrTimonity]

Just to add: In german the munters/italian hitch is called HalbMastwurfSicherung (thats where the HMS comes from). The clove hitch is called Mastwurf.

[@JBMountainSkills]

Good info! I have heard that, but couldn't bring myself to try and pronounce that mouthful!

[@benoitcerrina]

Really like the guide more version. I didn’t know it and if I was in this situation I would have put an autobloc on the break strand

[@SabreJez]

Super munter definitely made me giggle a little bit

[@JBMountainSkills]

😂

[@hartsparky]

From what ive seen, the super munter removes the rope twist too!

[@JBMountainSkills]

Good info!

[@paulraddan7064]

Thanks for the video 😊

[@JBMountainSkills]

My pleasure!

[@camkay3633]

auto-locking variation i had not seen before, very cool

[@JBMountainSkills]

👊

[@paulmorrey4298]

Thanks

[@drytool]

I think one of the biggest disadvantages of the Munter hitch is the rope rubbing across itself.

[@Kankudai69]

Yes, halve mastworp in Dutch. Half a clove hitch…. That’s why the carabiners are called HMS, Halve Mastworp Something…..

[@Kankudai69]

Just looked down. s S for sicherung…..

[@markcane-8396]

Not sure these are easy to answer in a comment, but: 1)when/why would you choose to use this method outside of emergency situations/back up in the UK? 2) as a part time climber it's always baffled me, if we're happy it's safe to use a prusik loop for all the things they are used for, why is it when it comes to abseiling it (almost) always has to be on the break rope rather than out in front of you? I do it myself, but only because I've been told to but without really knowing why.

[@stephenbrooks1536]

I believe (sure I’ll be corrected if wrong) that on the brake strand the prussik only has to hold a fraction of the force it would out in front of the belay device therefore possibly safer and easier to release under load.

[@JBMountainSkills]

Good questions! 1. fraction quicker than guide mode and allows for a simple swap to lowering, it's also pretty elbow friendly. 2. as Stephen says, we put it on the brake strand so that the belay device / Munter does most of the work, the Prusik is there to mimic our hands should we get knocked out or whatever. There are occasions I may put the Prusik on the load strand such as if I'm planning to abseil past a knot, but it's rare.

[@stevenbreeze4554]

Would love to know some thinking around HMS choice.

[@savvasioannou9851]

Can it be used as part of bell ringing?

[@Govanification]

Why not a munter-mule-overhand to tie it off? Seems to be the standard over in the states, at least for rescue work and rigging. Your way seemed slightly faster I guess.

[@JBMountainSkills]

No reason, equally as good. I did actually include it but cut it out due to video length.

[@michaelwolfgadsby8958]

A lot more than two people we would hope lol

[@stephenleonard5157]

What is the crag name

[@JBMountainSkills]

Lion Rock, Fachwen.