The Icicle Hitch can attach a line to the smoothest of spars or rails (including polished brass fireman’s poles), even when it tapers toward the direction of pull.
To Tie an Icicle Hitch:
| Take at least four turns around the rail or spar. Take more if an exceptionally secure hitch is required. |  |
| With the working end, create a generous loop hanging down behind the standing part. |  |
| Pass this loop in front of all other parts and drop it, without twisting, over the end of the spar. |  |
| Draw everything up tight by pulling first the standing part and then the working end at right-angles to the spar. Now tighten it all again. Only then can the load be carefully applied, and the knot pulled out to the shape shown. |  |