Tying the Artillery Hitch

The Artillery Hitch, also known as the Man Harness Hitch is a great way to make a loop in a rope when you don't have access to both ends.

Cannons were notorious for getting stuck in the mud and this knot was used to create a series of loops along the rope that artillerymen (or their mules) could hold or tie into in order to drag the cannon free. This knot is used because it does not bind under tension and can be removed easily after the job is done.

This is the most complicated knot in my hammock set-up. I use it to create a loop in my tarp ridge line so I can pull all sorts of tension on the line. For a better look at that process please see my hammock set-up video. I knew when I made that video that someone was going to ask for this one, so here it is.

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[CTOL1]

Knots are always so fascinating and at times (usually) frustrating, but I see that practice is all one needs to master them... Thanks for your videos, I may not always comment, but watch all of them.

[Colhane]

@CTOL1 Tying knots is a perishable skill, use it or lose it. That's why like to keep them simple as possible. Thanks for watching.

[cdltpx]

More like this your video was sent to my facvorites. Thank you for posting the better we are at making knots the less weight we have to carry. I set up my hammock using cargo wratchet straps I rarely go on foot but someday I may need to know how to travel very light.

Where are you now are you in North America or South.

[Colhane]

@cdltpx I am in Central Brazil.

[sendahojust1]

I think they should teach knots in school

[valdineysr]

No Brasil esse nó é chamado de "Nó de arnez"

[Megadragon2469]

You are EPIC

[HollowForm222]

Wow. Very useful. I been doing in the wrong way like you said. lol Thanks for that.

[zacandmillie]

Thanks for the demonstration. I am in artillery and when we do 'man handling drills' ie pull the gun, we use 2 straps which are tube tape with solid bits of wood stictched and spaced inside. They are useless for getting any leverage on. Funny how we advance in technology but the old ways seem to have been better. Now if only I can convince my fellow gunners to learn to tie knots!!

[ArtesDoMato]

In portuguese "Nó de Sirga" (Sirga knot). I prefer the buterfly knot.

[BushCraftBums]

Nice one brother... Gonna have to incorporate that one into the arsenal...Thanks

[hunterkiller45]

thanks colhane ,i got it now great vid cheers mate buy you a beer one day.

[REXMARX003]

Thanks - I wanted to see that again as well.  Now I got it.

[Colhane]

@spsmith1965 As I said in the info section I am not a knot geek. I do know that this knot, as I tie it, has never given me a problem using it to pull tension into a ridge line. I have never subjected it to a heavy load. There are other more complicated versions of this knot that are probably better for those applications.

[spsmith1965]

@spsmith1965 But if the loop is under preasure also, then I think it will not tighten.

[spsmith1965]

Great knot. But it does tighten on itself if you pull the ends. The alpine butterfly does not tighten on itself when you pull the ends, but it's harder to untie. disclaimer: I am no expert. I did not know either of these knots until seeing them just now on youtube.

[bearpatch1]

simple and well said, thanks Dave.

5/5*,----JC

[sae1095hc]

That looks similar to the EXTREMELY useful Butterfly or Alpine Butterfly knot, but seems a lot quicker to tie.

[severzero]

wow thanks!

[hootsmeister]

Thanks for the knot-specific video....v-e-r-r-y interesting!

[bushcraftbartons]

Thanks Dave...did not know about that one. It will become very useful. Thanks for sharing brother.

[FranceBushcraft]

Nive vid, good knot !

Thanks

All the best

[JustinBaker2567]

Thanks for this video, i have used the overhand double over for years, my dad taught it to me as a child, but this seems much better.

[idiedly1]

Thanks for a better look at the hitch.

[cdltpx]

@Colhane I am in Baton Rouge what are people saying there about this oil spill? NKorea or the potential for unrest when or if Arnold suspends welfare. This summer extended exteneded unemployment benefits will end for millions and that will further stress UScns. You know elsewhere in the world that may be business as usual but here its life in the fast lane one job one focus nothing to fall back on.