What is the Barrel Hitch used for?

Hoisting barrels and drums upright, full or empty, without spilling; Suspending water buckets or materials on job sites and in camp; Lowering and raising cylindrical loads through shafts and stairwells; Improvising a sling for containers with no handles; Lifting gas canisters and other vessels in balance.

How do you tie the Barrel Hitch?

The Barrel Hitch slings a barrel, drum or bucket upright, in balance, so it can be hoisted without tipping, even full of liquid. It's the classic solution dockworkers and sailors use to lift cylindrical containers safely by their open mouth. Follow the illustrated step-by-step, with a photo for every stage, on Desbravai.

Is the Barrel Hitch hard to tie?

The Barrel Hitch is rated medium, in the Lashings category and is taught with a photo at every stage on Desbravai.

What precautions apply when using the Barrel Hitch?

It only hoists safely if the sling sits above the barrel's center of gravity; Check that the barrel's mouth is well sealed or that its contents won't shift the weight; Test-lift a few centimeters before hoisting all the way; Don't improvise with worn rope under heavy load; risk of a fall.

Barrel Hitch

Q: What other names does the Barrel Hitch have?

It is also known as Barrel Hitch, Barrel Sling, Nudo de barril, Eslinga de barril, Braga de barril, Estropo de barril, Amarração de tambor, Élingue de tonneau. (ABOK #2176, #2177)

Slings a barrel or bucket upright so it can be hoisted in balance, even full of liquid

Also called: Barrel Hitch, Barrel Sling, Nudo de barril, Eslinga de barril, Braga de barril, Estropo de barril, Amarração de tambor, Élingue de tonneau · ABOK #2176, #2177

What it is for

Hoisting barrels and drums upright, full or empty, without spilling
Suspending water buckets or materials on job sites and in camp
Lowering and raising cylindrical loads through shafts and stairwells
Improvising a sling for containers with no handles
Lifting gas canisters and other vessels in balance