Taut-Line vs Midshipman's Hitch - Which is BEST? Hitches Knots

[@ALinsdau]

► This knot is featured in my book, The Most Crucial Knots to Know: amzn.to/3bCvGa3 ► Watch my other knots videos in my playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLG18s0YH507A2uDZtV4La04rsFeS5AAd0

[@daven.7685]

Aaron, first, thank you for the shout-out, especially since I lacked the acumen to view your private response to me on this question! Ha! Second, I really appreciate understanding the effect of a rope’s flexibility, and possibly other factors (i.e., “slickness”), on the binding strength of the hitch employed. Finally, after practicing these two hitches on my particular guy line, I have come to the same conclusion that the midshipman’s hitch is more “fiddly” than the taut line hitch, without offering appreciably more holding strength. Thank you for taking the time to expertly explain this question. Much appreciated!

[@ALinsdau]

Thank you very much!

[@MkGreene]

Great video. Thanks

[@ALinsdau]

You bet

[@ricdonato4328]

Very much enjoyed your explanation about both knots. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. With my taut-line hitch, regardless of the rope it does not slide. After the two wraps, I pull the working end down, then going under the standing line, 1:18 you go over, then over the standing line through the created loop. When dressed, I have three wraps inside the wrap which bite into the standing line similar to a Prusik knot; yes difficult to explain. This way of creating the taut-line it is easy to manually slide either direction, and never had it slide, even under great pressure, as yours does. Hope this helps. "...Which is BEST? Hitches Knots." Our schoolmarm drilled into our heads the proper use of good, better, best. Use the incorrect word we received a stern look, not one you would enjoy. She explained, mentioning one item use good, comparing two items only always use better never best, comparing three or more items always use best. Although she was a stern teacher, she also was very kind, patient, and helpful.

[@ALinsdau]

Thanks for watching!

[@CampfireKodiak]

That's an interesting conclusion. I have found you can make the Midshipmen superior by giving it a good tug after crossing over. This will activate the binding action to help grip the line.

[@ALinsdau]

Thanks for the tip!

[@indycharlie]

Very well done !

[@ALinsdau]

Many thanks!

[@mydoggylives]

Enjoyed the video. Interesting information and conclusions. My only wish is that you would've also added what you thought was the best adjustable hitch for those stiffer cords you were using. I mean... if both of those failed on the stiff cordage, then an alternative for stiff cordage is needed. Great job nonetheless.

[@boonestock]

Bone to pick here: IMO you did not properly dress and tighten these knots and thus this video does not accurately demonstrate the strength of either. To properly tie either hitch, the loops should be wrapped as tightly as possible. For this reason both hitches are best tied under load, particularly when using stiff cord. The stiffer the cord the more force required to fully tighten the knot. In very similar rope to your orange, I can tie both hitches tight enough that even pulling with the full force of my body I cannot slide either version. Both hold easily strong enough to break the folding table you are using as the anchor in your video.

[@ALinsdau]

Great points, thanks!

[@andrewmccarty]

Forgive me if im mistaken, but i believe the first knot you tied is a Magnus Hotch, not a Taut lime Hitch

[@ALinsdau]

The Magnus hitch is similar to the taut line but the direction the running end finishes is "opposite": en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnus_hitch en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taut-line_hitch

[@johnbiard9417]

The first hitch he ties is not magnus, but is taut line at minute 1:00.

[@TennesseeSlim]

Still knot a taught line hitch.

[@ALinsdau]

Thanks for watching!