Trucker's hitch
A pulley made of rope. Crank a load down so tight it hums.
What it is
A loop in the standing part acts as a pulley, giving you a 3:1 mechanical advantage. You can crank a load down so tight the rope hums — then lock it off with half hitches.
How to tie it
1. tie a loop (figure-eight) in the standing part 2. pass the working end through your anchor, back through the loop 3. pull down — the loop doubles your strength 4. lock off with two half hitches
When to use it
Securing a load on a truck, tensioning a tarp, a ridge line, a guyline. The 3:1 purchase does the muscle work for you.