Great video. My dad was a logger and trucker his entire life, and used of all these knots and more. He passed away in 2020, and due to my teenage and mid 20s naivete and apathy towards anything requiring hard work or learning these skills from my dad, I missed out on the opportunity - to my constant regret. Now at 30 years old I'm having to learn all of this stuff for myself, when I could have just learned from my dad when I had the chance. The biggest mistake and regret of my life. But I thank you for making this to teach those of us who haven't had the chance to learn.
pascalrouen - thanks for telling us your story. I, too, have regrets of not learning more from my father. I'm sorry to hear of your loss of your dad. We're glad that we can assist on conveying some of the skills that your dad had and give some comfort in some small way. Best Regards, DFJ
This is exactly what I've been searching for. The majority of knot videos only teach you to tie a knot but not using it in real life situations. Thank you!!!!
Using the finger twist to establish the first loop is exactly how I watched the truckers tie down huge loads of apple boxes, headed for market, when I was a youngster. Never could relate to the method of tying in that first loop. This way, the whole thing just falls apart, after releasing the locking half hitches, as you stated. Nice to see it, again. I used to use this for tying my Canadian canoe to the roof of my car. Never had any problem, even on long trips or in windy weather.
If you pass the working end back through same loop again, it creates a ratchet until you tie your half hitches. That will hold the tension temporarily. I have been trying to teach my daughter the truckies hitch for years. This seems like a better version for her to use. Thank you!
Thank you! This was so easy I didn't even have to practice it. I picked up my lumber immediately after watching this video and secured it exactly how you showed and it was secure as you said it would be.
Man, videos like this on UA-cam have upped my knot game exponentially, now that I’m 43. So much easier to learn knots from a instructional video putting them into real life common scenarios like this. I don’t like the double hitch method but that truckers hitch is very simple, fast and useful. I’m doing it that way now except I do it with my whole hand in the loop to make the twists and then I just grab bottom end of the rope with that hand to pull a bite through the loop. Way faster and easier. One thing I would add is before cinching down, if you send the rope through the loop again then it keeps the tension without having to pinch and it is still easy to break by just putting the rope back the other way back through the lope and giving a little tug. I should have learned this stuff when I was 15. I would have impressed so many girls. Haha. Ya that was my only problem.
My father taught me this knot as a young man. To impress me he said you can brake a large rope with this knot and showed me how by using this knot over about three times on the same end and making a loop as a stirrup to put my foot in and standing on it it broke a pretty big rope ! Great lesson !
I’m a skilled tradesmen with 20+ years of experiences and I love the loop trick. I have always used the inline figure 8 method and found that at times it would be stubborn to loosen. Thanks for the tip.
People need to learn how to use a simple piece of rope effectively. Its so versatile and way cheaper than ratchets straps etc. I use the Australian Truckies Hitch a lot for tensioning my loads because it doesn't need a knot in the rope either, it blows people's minds when I show them. This method looks like a great alternative for when you have eyelets rather than the tie-down bars we tend to have on trucks in Australia. One thing I also like to do is tie all my knots on the passenger side, if possible, so that if I have to do any adjusting of the rope during the journey I'm standing away from traffic in a safer position.
Excellent video, thank you very much. You're a great teacher I love that you clearly explained and demonstrated every part even the untie. just awesome.
Excellent, the tying off part has always been my problem, often resorting to reef knots that I can’t untie. This saves so much time, I use this for my 12ft kayak. Thanks for this 👍
Good video . A piece of advice after you do the twisty and your loop through and put the loose end through and tighten instead of pinching it take your loose end through the loop one more time and you won't have to pinch it . It holds the tightness and you can put in your half hitches
Thank you! I've seen people use that method before, however they do it so fast I could never catch how it was done. Thanks for explaining how to do it. Very helpful!
Thank you very much for the time you invested; I been looking for a vid like this for a while and by far, this is the best one I have seen. I Finally get the to see and learn the entire process of this Knot. Well Explained..Thanks, again !!!!!
Very useful. I like the way you do the loop for the trucker's hitch. I've been using an alpine loop for that, but I think yours is better and leaves you with nothing to untie. Thanks a bunch.
Great video! The name of the knot where you squeezed the loop to hold the tension while making a slipped quick release is called a becket hitch. Actually, yours is a variation of the becket hitch. The becket hitch is more reliable and doesn't need a safety wrap. Thanks
Right on, learned the trucker's hitch years ago tying down loads at a lumber yard. This took it to the next level, being able to easily undo the tie down. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for a great video! Even though I've always taken my gas cans out of the truck bed before filling them I never knew how important it was to do so!
Very helpful video, and I like your "twist" method for creating the loop.. one thing worth mentioning: when tying down gas cans if you are using Nylon rope you want to go slow- when you quickly pull the length of rope through each loop (against itself) there is the risk of creating a static charge.
These are key skills that could be lost if it wasn’t for people like you thank you. I’ve used a similar method but I tend to short change myself with the twisting loop and run out of cinching room. Lol
Thanks for watching and commenting happykal11. I agree that some basic knowledge relating to self reliance has faded away. Thanks for your kind comment. Best to you, DFJ
Wow thanks so much for this video, I'm gonna start working as a lot attendant at the Home Depot and this for sure will help. The only knot I know how to do is the one I use to tie my shoes
I use that same method with a ratchet strap. Also that’s a neat way of tying the truckers hitch. Also most of my propane tanks I’ve gotten for free because they’ve been thrown from a truck (I assume accidentally) cause they were not secured properly
Thanks! This will help. The only suggestion I can think of is with your first connection point. That could be a loop end, which would make it quicker to get on and off.
I like that modified truckers hitch...much nicer than the traditional trucker's hitch I learned. but yeah the beginning knot should be some sort of bow knot, no?
Instead of looping round you tie a scaffold hitch around the planks...much safer and zero movement of your load...that's the way I was taught when I started trucking.
at 3:02, I learned that as a "duck knot" and it works great on everything especially w/ a nylon rope that has some elasticity in it. never ever lost a load, a boat or anything else.
Made everything easy to untie except for the attachment point. Instead of two half hitches, add a loop on the second hitch so you can just pull it and undo the knot.
+James Rice - Secure, indeed! Thanks for watching. If you haven't already, take a look at our "How to Use a Ratchet Strap" video as well. You'll find it to be helpful. Also, I you haven't subscribed yet, we invite you to. Best to you and yours - DFJ
I’ve always used a marlin spike hitch for the loop, but my use of the trucker’s hitch is mainly limited to camping/outdoor applications where I’m not securing critical loads. Do you think that the marlin spike hitch loop would suffice for tying down a load, or is the twist method you show in this video more secure for such applications? I know that there are multiple variations of the truckers hitch, so I would like to know the appropriate one for critical applications. The last thing I need is for a propane tank to go flying off the back of my vehicle. Thanks for the info. I subscribed
I really like all of the knots you showed after the first one, but I felt like the first one was just a normal double-knot, and those are a little challenging to untie. Otherwise though, awesome video!
if you go through your eyelet twice with your loose end. It will hold the tention for you you won't have to pinch it with your fingers. To untie you just pull the opposite way and it releases.
D Graf - I love it! 73, and still learning. No more saggy tie downs for you! We use this ongoing and a variation can be used for tying down camping and party tents to stakes or other substantial tie down points. Best to you and yours! DFJ
I would call the first knot a dolly.... An old driver I knew 40 odd years ago taught it to me.... Mind you pretty much all loads need to be strapped here now .. ropes for tarps only.
Craig, indeed, you'd need to pick at it bit to get it undone. I've now gone to a slipped version that you can "pop" loose. Thanks for watching and writing! Best, DFJ
The way you put the two half hitches will need to be cut off I tie a lot of barges in the river every time I come along that half hitch I have to cut them off it binds down the bowling knot would be better to start with I like the trick with twisting and a loop works great
Lee, thanks for the insight. Give me a bit more detail, will you? As you saying that the half hitches become so tight under stress that they can't be undone and it becomes faster to cut them away? Perhaps a slipped half hitch? What's your method? Indeed, the twist first and creating a loop has been a game changer for me and always gets nods of appreciation from others around when they see me use that approach. Thanks for watching and taking time to write! Best, DFJ
Great suggestion! We don't have that in our production schedule right now, but will add it. I've seen some mattress disasters on the roadway and with a few simple additions, you can transport a mattress safely and securely. Thanks for writing! Best, DFJ
Jeff, thanks for the kind words. We appreciate you watching the video, and better yet, for subscribing and becoming a member of the DFJ viewer family! Watch for more great content coming your way. Best, DFJ
Souks, glad to be of help. I use this technique ongoing. Sorry that it was hard to find, it will become easier as it rises in the search rankings. Best, DFJ
Pretty good have you evere had this rigging lose its tautness in rainy conditions? Saw another video of an out doors guy claiming the superiority of the sheep shank version of this knot
Great video. My dad was a logger and trucker his entire life, and used of all these knots and more. He passed away in 2020, and due to my teenage and mid 20s naivete and apathy towards anything requiring hard work or learning these skills from my dad, I missed out on the opportunity - to my constant regret. Now at 30 years old I'm having to learn all of this stuff for myself, when I could have just learned from my dad when I had the chance. The biggest mistake and regret of my life. But I thank you for making this to teach those of us who haven't had the chance to learn.
pascalrouen - thanks for telling us your story. I, too, have regrets of not learning more from my father. I'm sorry to hear of your loss of your dad. We're glad that we can assist on conveying some of the skills that your dad had and give some comfort in some small way. Best Regards, DFJ
This is exactly what I've been searching for. The majority of knot videos only teach you to tie a knot but not using it in real life situations. Thank you!!!!
Glad we could help Woodworking Areanas. Thanks for watching and commenting. Best, DFJ
This is one of the most useful videos I’ve seen on this website. Clear, direct, good pacing. Thanks so much!
Thanks Maili Bradley. Keep watching and commenting. Best to you, DFJ
Using the finger twist to establish the first loop is exactly how I watched the truckers tie down huge loads of apple boxes, headed for market, when I was a youngster. Never could relate to the method of tying in that first loop. This way, the whole thing just falls apart, after releasing the locking half hitches, as you stated. Nice to see it, again. I used to use this for tying my Canadian canoe to the roof of my car. Never had any problem, even on long trips or in windy weather.
Nigel, thanks for watching and writing. Good to hear it was helpful to you and brought back some good memories. Best, DFJ
If you pass the working end back through same loop again, it creates a ratchet until you tie your half hitches. That will hold the tension temporarily. I have been trying to teach my daughter the truckies hitch for years. This seems like a better version for her to use. Thank you!
Excellent video - just like my dad would do - old school from Italy - He's shown me so many knot tricks !! Thanks!!
Sounds like you were very fortunate to have a dad in your life that teaches you things! Best to you and your Dad! DFJ
I'm not a sailor but today you taught me a great lesson, thank you for the tutorial. Be safe.
Glad to hear it! DFJ
There's nothing like a man that knows his stuff! To all the duhs out there! Learn! Thanks for the video.
Excellent video and explanation. When I tie down I often use the Truckers Hitch, now I will give your twisty-thingy-bob a go as well. Thank you.
Very informative and useful video! The fact that he explains how to tie down in more than one situation is nice!
Thank you! This was so easy I didn't even have to practice it. I picked up my lumber immediately after watching this video and secured it exactly how you showed and it was secure as you said it would be.
Fantastic! Glad it was helpful! Best to you HomelessOnline. Keep watching and commenting. Best, DFJ
Man, videos like this on UA-cam have upped my knot game exponentially, now that I’m 43. So much easier to learn knots from a instructional video putting them into real life common scenarios like this. I don’t like the double hitch method but that truckers hitch is very simple, fast and useful. I’m doing it that way now except I do it with my whole hand in the loop to make the twists and then I just grab bottom end of the rope with that hand to pull a bite through the loop. Way faster and easier. One thing I would add is before cinching down, if you send the rope through the loop again then it keeps the tension without having to pinch and it is still easy to break by just putting the rope back the other way back through the lope and giving a little tug.
I should have learned this stuff when I was 15. I would have impressed so many girls. Haha. Ya that was my only problem.
Thanks for writing, Justin, and sharing the tips. Thanks for the laugh about your girl problems too! Best, DFJ
Wow!! I've never thought of just twisting a loop for my trucker's hitch. I'll use that method from now on.
My father taught me this knot as a young man. To impress me he said you can brake a large rope with this knot and showed me how by using this knot over about three times on the same end and making a loop as a stirrup to put my foot in and standing on it it broke a pretty big rope ! Great lesson !
You should do a video on that and then come back here to share the link.
That was a good lesson. Taught in a way that made it stick.
Did he make you splice it back together? Thats another lesson in it self.
I’m a skilled tradesmen with 20+ years of experiences and I love the loop trick. I have always used the inline figure 8 method and found that at times it would be stubborn to loosen. Thanks for the tip.
GoMcAlli - thanks for taking time to write and for being in the trades! Best, DFJ
A LOT of great ideas in one go; loved the *SIMPLEST* way to TWIST the rope and make that loop........ Thanks!!
People need to learn how to use a simple piece of rope effectively. Its so versatile and way cheaper than ratchets straps etc. I use the Australian Truckies Hitch a lot for tensioning my loads because it doesn't need a knot in the rope either, it blows people's minds when I show them. This method looks like a great alternative for when you have eyelets rather than the tie-down bars we tend to have on trucks in Australia. One thing I also like to do is tie all my knots on the passenger side, if possible, so that if I have to do any adjusting of the rope during the journey I'm standing away from traffic in a safer position.
TK-421, thanks for weighing in and giving your thoughts and experience. Great insights! Best Regards, DFJ
Excellent video, thank you very much. You're a great teacher I love that you clearly explained and demonstrated every part even the untie. just awesome.
Excellent, the tying off part has always been my problem, often resorting to reef knots that I can’t untie. This saves so much time, I use this for my 12ft kayak.
Thanks for this 👍
Glad it helped! Best, DFJ
Good video . A piece of advice after you do the twisty and your loop through and put the loose end through and tighten instead of pinching it take your loose end through the loop one more time and you won't have to pinch it . It holds the tightness and you can put in your half hitches
Just saw this on another video. Did this on granny knots for years but never thought to do it on trucker's hitch. Silly me.
Thank you for this, I was struggling
I'm scout from Australia and this video is gonna help me teach the younger scouts how to tie a load down! Thankyou!
Thank you! I've seen people use that method before, however they do it so fast I could never catch how it was done. Thanks for explaining how to do it. Very helpful!
+Ricardo Ramirez - thanks for the kind words. Now you've got another skill that will come in handy from now on! Best, DFJ
Thank you very much for the time you invested; I been looking for a vid like this for a while and by far, this is the best one I have seen. I Finally get the to see and learn the entire process of this Knot. Well Explained..Thanks, again !!!!!
You're very welcome!
For the attachment, use a loop for the last half hitch and it will be a lot easier to remove when you’re done.
Great technique for tying and securing down lumber and containers. Thank you!
👍🏼😀
Very useful. I like the way you do the loop for the trucker's hitch. I've been using an alpine loop for that, but I think yours is better and leaves you with nothing to untie. Thanks a bunch.
Yep been using the same one for a while, and it doesn’t bind, it’s easily undone
Great video! The name of the knot where you squeezed the loop to hold the tension while making a slipped quick release is called a becket hitch. Actually, yours is a variation of the becket hitch. The becket hitch is more reliable and doesn't need a safety wrap.
Thanks
Lee, thanks! I'll check it out. best, DFJ
DirtFarmerJay moo moo
Great stuff, explained with clarity, great new version of the trucker hitch. Thanks.
Right on, learned the trucker's hitch years ago tying down loads at a lumber yard. This took it to the next level, being able to easily undo the tie down. Thanks for watching!
I find myself looking at these type of videos more often now...adulting lol
Thanks for a great video! Even though I've always taken my gas cans out of the truck bed before filling them I never knew how important it was to do so!
You are the finest and very best, well shown and now look forward to learn and slow it down a bit. Richard
Very helpful video, and I like your "twist" method for creating the loop.. one thing worth mentioning: when tying down gas cans if you are using Nylon rope you want to go slow- when you quickly pull the length of rope through each loop (against itself) there is the risk of creating a static charge.
Good to know! Thanks for mentioning that!
Wow, thanks! I never know about static charge and nylon rope! Will remember this and pass it on!
Nice. I've used the alpine loop or the double overhand for the pulley for most of my life but I like that loop!
Right on! Best, DFJ
I think at the pinch point of the hitch you could go through it a second time and it will hold that pressure for you before you secure it.
Never seen that done like that before , absolutely ingenious.
These are key skills that could be lost if it wasn’t for people like you thank you. I’ve used a similar method but I tend to short change myself with the twisting loop and run out of cinching room. Lol
Thanks for watching and commenting happykal11. I agree that some basic knowledge relating to self reliance has faded away. Thanks for your kind comment. Best to you, DFJ
Wow thanks so much for this video, I'm gonna start working as a lot attendant at the Home Depot and this for sure will help. The only knot I know how to do is the one I use to tie my shoes
Well spoken. Made this task a lot simpler. Thank you!
I use that same method with a ratchet strap.
Also that’s a neat way of tying the truckers hitch.
Also most of my propane tanks I’ve gotten for free because they’ve been thrown from a truck (I assume accidentally) cause they were not secured properly
Thanks! This will help. The only suggestion I can think of is with your first connection point. That could be a loop end, which would make it quicker to get on and off.
Love that makeshift truckers knot. I’m gonna have to try that out
Thanks, Alicia. We appreciate you watching our video. Best, DFJ
Excellent video.
So useful and practical.
Thank you
I like that modified truckers hitch...much nicer than the traditional trucker's hitch I learned. but yeah the beginning knot should be some sort of bow knot, no?
Really handy informative vid Mr Dfj. Much appreciated 👍🙂
Instead of looping round you tie a scaffold hitch around the planks...much safer and zero movement of your load...that's the way I was taught when I started trucking.
I've always wanted to know how to do this, thanks for the clear instruction!!
Mark, thanks for watching our video and taking time to write! We're glad to have been of help to you! Best, DFJ
Mark, thanks for your thanks! Glad to be of help. Thanks for tuning in and taking time to write - Best, DFJ
Good video. I’m glad you included putting a red flag marker on the very back of the load.
Also, when you wrap around the lumber, loop the rope behind the tied end to lock in the loop and keep the boards from sliding in the loose loop
at 3:02, I learned that as a "duck knot" and it works great on everything especially w/ a nylon rope that has some elasticity in it. never ever lost a load, a boat or anything else.
Clear explanation and the lovely banjo music! Stay safe!
Greetings from Athens, Greece.
Thanks Dirt Farmer Jay....I am 50 years old and can finally tie a load.
great vid - clear instruction and explanation. i have been looking for such guide to tie down loads
So simple and yet so brilliant 👍🏻
Made everything easy to untie except for the attachment point. Instead of two half hitches, add a loop on the second hitch so you can just pull it and undo the knot.
Thanks for this really useful method, well explained. I feel more secure already.
+James Rice - Secure, indeed! Thanks for watching. If you haven't already, take a look at our "How to Use a Ratchet Strap" video as well. You'll find it to be helpful. Also, I you haven't subscribed yet, we invite you to. Best to you and yours - DFJ
I’ve always used a marlin spike hitch for the loop, but my use of the trucker’s hitch is mainly limited to camping/outdoor applications where I’m not securing critical loads. Do you think that the marlin spike hitch loop would suffice for tying down a load, or is the twist method you show in this video more secure for such applications? I know that there are multiple variations of the truckers hitch, so I would like to know the appropriate one for critical applications. The last thing I need is for a propane tank to go flying off the back of my vehicle. Thanks for the info. I subscribed
Use a bowline instead of the half hitches , one the tension end use the Australian truckies hitch
I like it especially the propane tanks tie down. thank you!
The best thanks. Very detailed and thorough.
Very interesting and creative DFJ. After a few times, well at least 10, I'll be a little closer to gettin' those knots down.
Takk for at du deler kunnskap med andre. Gud velsigne deg! Hilsen fra Norge.
I really like all of the knots you showed after the first one, but I felt like the first one was just a normal double-knot, and those are a little challenging to untie. Otherwise though, awesome video!
Yes.. Even I think the first knot (2 Basically) will be difficult to untie as it will get hard in movement...
He actually did only a couple of half hitches, which is optimal. To make it easier to untie, he can just put a night through.
Thank You Sir , for this vídeo..... Greetings from Panamá City👍
Nicely explained, thanks.
Old time trucker here..... this is the ONLY TIME I have seen a youtube video showing the proper way to tie the truckers hitch...... yup
Ive seen some
Videos where they do a double trucker hitch…, can u show us how to
Great knots and safety ideas! Thanks!
A truckers hitch. Terrific tie down. Very versatile.
Well explained, great vid
Thanks djkneecaps91. Jay has been a lifelong learner and loves to share with others. Keep watching and writing!! DirtFarmerMaggie.
A good trick for the trucker's Hitch. I like it. But you should watch the video on how to properly coil a rope.
That was very useful, just what I needed, thanks!
Neat tip with the twist.
Good for me ,Thanks farmer Jay
if you go through your eyelet twice with your loose end. It will hold the tention for you you won't have to pinch it with your fingers. To untie you just pull the opposite way and it releases.
Chad, thanks for writing and for the great technique! Best, DFJ
You explain this well.
Excellent video and process
Great video and the 1st time I've heard the expression allzineed😁
typalo66 - thanks for writing and recognizing one of the many verbal shortcuts I use from time to time! Best, DFJ
Do u have a way to tie a couch or a fridge to the pickup?
Where do you get that rope
thanks a lot for this amazing video
is that a quarter inch paracord ? What kind of rope do you recommend ?
I am 73 and I sure wish I knew this truckers hitch years ago. My tie downs always end up saggy.
D Graf - I love it! 73, and still learning. No more saggy tie downs for you! We use this ongoing and a variation can be used for tying down camping and party tents to stakes or other substantial tie down points. Best to you and yours! DFJ
how come
This is by far the best way to secure a load I’ve ever seen. So simple yet incredibly effective. Thank you
So glad we could help Joseph Dubash. Keep watching and commenting! Best, DFJ
I would call the first knot a dolly.... An old driver I knew 40 odd years ago taught it to me.... Mind you pretty much all loads need to be strapped here now .. ropes for tarps only.
like the load knot, but tho half hitches never, if you tied it down well, it will be a pain in the neck to undo it
The first knot to the side of the bed looks like it might put up a fight getting it loose am I wrong??
Craig, indeed, you'd need to pick at it bit to get it undone. I've now gone to a slipped version that you can "pop" loose. Thanks for watching and writing! Best, DFJ
The way you put the two half hitches will need to be cut off
I tie a lot of barges in the river every time I come along that half hitch I have to cut them off it binds down the bowling knot would be better to start with I like the trick with twisting and a loop works great
Lee, thanks for the insight. Give me a bit more detail, will you? As you saying that the half hitches become so tight under stress that they can't be undone and it becomes faster to cut them away? Perhaps a slipped half hitch? What's your method? Indeed, the twist first and creating a loop has been a game changer for me and always gets nods of appreciation from others around when they see me use that approach. Thanks for watching and taking time to write! Best, DFJ
I have never had any luck with half hitches to be easy taking them off they all ways foul down to where I have to cut them
It is very useful, thank you very much.
Good video, can you teach how to secure a mattress?
Great suggestion! We don't have that in our production schedule right now, but will add it. I've seen some mattress disasters on the roadway and with a few simple additions, you can transport a mattress safely and securely. Thanks for writing! Best, DFJ
Good video; good advice! Thanks!
Jeff, thanks for the kind words. We appreciate you watching the video, and better yet, for subscribing and becoming a member of the DFJ viewer family! Watch for more great content coming your way. Best, DFJ
This hard to find video helps a lot! Thanks.
Souks, glad to be of help. I use this technique ongoing. Sorry that it was hard to find, it will become easier as it rises in the search rankings. Best, DFJ
Good tutorial, I've been tying my loads this way, it's they way I was taught.
Good to hear! Thanks for writing! Best, DFJ
Clever! And he speaks properly !
Excellent video
Thank you very much! Keep watching and commenting Lawrence Moffet. Best, DFJ
This is awsome i will use this techniques to tight down my 5 gallons bottle waters.
thanks i like your video.
Excellent,thanks very much
You are welcome!
Pretty good have you evere had this rigging lose its tautness in rainy conditions? Saw another video of an out doors guy claiming the superiority of the sheep shank version of this knot
Nice job, why not just use rubber expandable straps?
Thank you so much sir