Why Marlin Hitch vs Girth Hitch

**scbron** · 03-01-2010, 17:16

I have a loop on the end of my tree strap.

What is the argument against using a girth hitch to attach a spike to the loop instead of a marlin hitch on the running length of the strap.

I think both would release equally well.

**trigger hurt** · 03-01-2010, 18:22

I think what you'll run into with a girth hitch is you're stuck with hanging the hammock from the very end of the strap. With a marlin spike hitch, the hammock can be hung from anywhere along free length of the strap.

Other than that, I don't see any reason you couldn't use a girth hitch.

**OldMan** · 03-01-2010, 18:52

Originally Posted by fulminated

I think what you'll run into with a girth hitch is you're stuck with hanging the hammock from the very end of the strap.

Why? I can picture putting it anywhere along the length of the strap.

**TeeDee** · 03-01-2010, 20:13

The biggest problem I see with the girth hitch is that the weight of the hammock and occupant will be on the toggle which means you need a toggle capable of withstanding the forces. For that I do not trust anything less than 1/4" diameter steel or Ti toggles.

With the Marlin Spike Hitch, if done properly, the knot itself and not the toggle supports the forces. Thus, the toggle can be something like a small piece of branch picked up off the ground. I have used small sections of branch as small as 1/8" diameter in my Marlin Spike Hitches in webbing.

**PuckerFactor** · 03-01-2010, 20:23

As others have said, the main detriment is that the toggle is load bearing, but at high tension, the girth hitch will slide unless you cross the working end tail under the standing end tail to add more friction. I've pulled vehicles with both variations, and the crossed version holds to the breaking point of the rope, generally.

HTH,
Acer

**trigger hurt** · 03-01-2010, 20:44

Originally Posted by OldMan

Why? I can picture putting it anywhere along the length of the strap.

I can't. Can you show me a picture?

**PuckerFactor** · 03-01-2010, 21:54

Here's the 2 variations:
With the working end (tail) on top of the standing line, there's less friction, and it slips considerably sooner.
girthhitchbad.JPG
But with the working end (tail) under the standing end, it grips much better
girthhitchcorrect.JPG

Acer

**OldMan** · 03-02-2010, 09:51

Originally Posted by fulminated

I can't. Can you show me a picture?

Here's a video.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2355269_gi...not-tying.html

**TeeDee** · 03-02-2010, 12:26

Originally Posted by fulminated

I can't. Can you show me a picture?

Cannot show you a picture, but can describe a way of tying a Girth Hitch in the middle of a rope without passing the ends through the bight.

Form the bight where you want the hitch.

Bend the bight back over the rope and pull the sides past the rope forming the hitch. Now insert the toggle into the hitch and pull tight.

This can only be done around objects, such as the toggle, that can be inserted into the hitch.

Technically the Cow Hitch, which looks identical to the Girth Hitch, cannot be done this way, since the Cow Hitch is formed on the ring in the nose of a cow. The ring cannot be inserted into the hitch.

**NCPatrick** · 03-02-2010, 12:57

Originally Posted by TeeDee

Technically the Cow Hitch, which looks identical to the Girth Hitch, cannot be done this way, since the Cow Hitch is formed on the ring in the nose of a cow. The ring cannot be inserted into the hitch.

I swear I learn something new every single day on this forum.