Blake's Hitch
The classic climbing-line friction hitch tied with the tail of your climbing line. Four wraps up, tail tucked down through two.
When to use it
Moving-rope (MRS) climbing on a doubled line. Grabs under load, releases with a downward push on the knot body.
Step 1
Run the working end of your line down alongside the standing part of the climbing line you will grab.
Step by step
Step 1
Run the working end of your line down alongside the standing part of the climbing line you will grab.
Step 2
Take four full wraps upward around the standing part, keeping them snug and stacked, never crossed.
Four wraps is the minimum on modern low-stretch lines.
Step 3
Bring the tail back down the front of the wraps.
Step 4
Tuck the tail up under the bottom two wraps, passing behind the standing part and out the front.
Step 5
Dress the wraps evenly, set the hitch with body weight and confirm it grabs before unweighting your other system.
Step 6
Terminate the tail with a stopper knot — a figure 8 on a bight or double overhand — clipped to your bridge.
The stopper is not optional. It is the backup if the hitch slips.
Cautions
- Always finish with a stopper knot on the tail, clipped to the harness.
- Inspect for glazing or fuzz on the hitch section — heat from fast descents kills fibres.
- Do not tie it on a line whose diameter or cover is unknown; slick covers slip.
Training aid only. Follow ANSI Z133, your employer's policy and the manufacturer's instructions for every piece of equipment.