[rowlandwells]

i just wondered how many people know how to do what we call round hear a dolly or sheep shank what's he talking about your saying i am referring to what i learned  to do some thirty odd years ago a rope hitch

 we used this method for roping  loads on lorries or trailers when we had sheeted the load or other goods carried  in those days nylon straps and tighteners had not been invented we used to put a dolly or hitch in the rope 

so we could pull the rope tight on the load it was a lorry drivers bible you had to do this hitch before you could even go on the road it was as important as your licences unless you drove a box van 

i still use this hitch when i carry loads on my trailer I've never had a load move yet you could go from London to Glasgow without the load moving and i have done that   done this hitch so many times it just comes natural I've taken bag loads of manure down the lottie sheet and roped on the trailer people  have asked me how do you do that to keep the load on  i said its a trade secret has anyone out there ever used this rope hitch or still does it would be interesting to know if anyone actually knows what I'm talking about 

[Springlands]

I was a Girl Guide - so I know exactly what you are talking about. 

[mumofstig]

sheepshanks and hitch, never heard them called dollies.

Another Girl Guide here 

[8doubles]

I have been shown the drivers hitch on several occasions but i could never remember it when needed, thank heaven for ratchet straps.

I am fairly good on fishing knots having had lots of practice, any other knot i cheat by going to ANIMATED KNOTS for a refresher,
http://www.animatedknots.com/

[DD.]

Moved to the Equpment Shed.

The Equipment Barn is for those with a few acres!

[joyfull]

Those of us with vintage lorries still do the lorry drivers hitch for an authentic looking load but for some reason I always do mine left handed even though I'm right handed 

I also learnt the sheepshank, clove hitch, bowline, etc - ex Cub Scout Akela 

[rainie]

I know what you are talking about Joyfull, dont really get a look in to play with rope though as other half is so good at it, I'm not as good.

However, he can't tie my horse up properly. 

[mumofstig]

I still say when I'm doing a knot.........left over right and under, right over left and under...
a Reef Knot...why do we remember the silly things and forget some of the important ones

[joyfull]

  I still say that too 

[RichardA]

also known as a harvesters hitch especially if lower end is around a hook and hitch is used to tension the rope whereas a sheepshank at its simplest is used to shorten a rope when neither end is free or accessable.
I still use a variety of knots from being a scout around the garden incl several decorative ones such as a turks head or the quick release highwayman's hitch to amuse the grandkids

[rowlandwells]

your replies make interesting reading i'me glad to see old traditions still lasting as for the nylon straps well!! there for the boys you know you can't send a boy to do a mans job can you
             many thanks for your replies RW

[RichardA]

I have just recalled that my grandad would call it a waggoner's hitch whilst my father called it a harvester's hitch.
As a student I had bits of jobs around local farms to earn a bit of money. Farm labourers had a poor opinion of students but when I lashed a trailer load of bales with waggoners hitches in the ropes without being told to then I got promoted instantly from layabout to farmers lad.
R

[Yabba]

I was a boy scout to, and I sailed. Notch up another one that know sheep shank ... never heard it called a dolly though

¥

[Rangerkris]

I know what your on about, tree work and tying things in would be a nightmare if i could not tie knots