The gripper hitch

Today I stumbled upon the gripper hitch, a friction knot that is supposed to be even stronger than the icicle hitch. What a knot! It is not easy to tie (or remember) but Nick O’Law has a great description.

For understanding the knot, I found it helpful to only turn around once in both directions. The knot works because whatever way the end tries to go there is a winding that counteracts the ends endeavor. Unfortunately that also can make it bind and hard to untie.

For more casual use the icicle hitch is still recommended. Instructions on how to tie it can be found on Animated Knots.