That vid is complete B.S., dont listen to anything it says.
That was more like a half timber hitch - at least five tucks should be on a timber hitch, preferably 6 or more. Just not too many. the tucks, or helixes, are supposed to start wider and the get narrower gradually also.
Nonsense. Perhaps someone will quote from Ashley Book Of Knots? I have NEVER put 5 tucks on a timber hitch, and I have never seen one fail, either.
It's not really important how many tucks you put in. It is of paramount importance that the tucks run around to the rear (completely opposite the holding bight) , and that the tucks are held down by the loaded line. Large trunks REQUIRE a long rope to be able reach back around to the opposite side of the trunk. Otherwise, your knot will fail, even with 5 wraps.
If you want to be really, really sure that the knot won't fail, put a stilson hitch on it. This is particularly important near the top of the spar, because it is important to be as close to the cut as possible and to remove as much slack as possible. The Stilson does not stretch out much when the log hits.
Find on this page: http://www.sherrilltree.com/Learning-Center/Knots
Regarding using a plain rope: double it up, put the block/pulley/friction device in the bend. Then treat it like a single rope with a spliced eye. Timber hitch, Stilson, whatever. Doubled rope is stronger than a splice, too.
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