How much larger must the width be for a tension-less hitch?

• A. 2 times the width
• B. 4 times the width
• C. 3 times the width
• D. 5 times the width

Answer: (B)

A tensionless hitch works by using friction to hold a load without needing the rope to stay taut. To make that friction reliably grip, you need enough contact area where the rope wraps or lays against itself or an anchor. Four times the rope’s width provides enough surface area for the friction to develop and keep the hitch from slipping under load, even when there isn’t constant tension pulling the rope tight. If the width were smaller, the contact area isn’t enough to generate the needed friction; a larger width (like five times) wouldn’t really improve things much for typical loads and would just add bulk. So, the best practice is to use a width about four times the rope width to ensure a secure, tensionless hold.