Easily undone knot for lifting?
 

A few years ago I was helping an old Hydro-man (guy who worked for the hydro company) build a shed.
To lift the rafters we used a rope and he showed me a 'knot' which to undo you just pulled the end of the rope. He said they used to use this on poles.
It worked slick, no real knot to undo.
Anyone have any idea what I am talking about.

I will add this was one rope and only on one end. it wrapped around the post (2x4 or whatever). Not tying two ropes together.

I may have found it. X marks the spot!!!!
http://boatsafe.com/marlinespike/Image8.gif

How big are these trusses and how many stores up are they going.
Or are you just using that as an example?

Trying to remember the knot we used about 4 years ago. The trusses were 30' and went up about 16', It was on a pole shed.

for lumber I'd use a round turn and two half hitches, or a timber hitch. Basically the round turn and half hitches just goes around the material in an x shape, then a loop at the top biting against itself. If that makes sense over the net.

Uhhh, I'm sorry I don't get it.

The bowline (Q on your list) is a handy knot. The loop at the top makes it easy to loosen no matter how much tension was put on it.

http://www.realknots.com/knots/sloops.htm

Easily undone knot for lifting?
 

X , the clove hitch is a useful knot but for ease of untying remotely it can be modified but do its job just as well when done correctly.

The rabbit went around the tree and over the log and around the tree again but rather than just going through the hole he doubled and went through the hole as if you were tying a bow in a shoe lace. With the tag end long and within reaching distance just pull it as you would untie your shoe lace and the clove hitch for all practical purposes is untied.

Seldom a day goes by without it being used around my place. I taught it to myself and call it the modified clove hitch or improved clove hitch.

Fair - that sounds closer I remember pullin on a tail and it coming undone

I agree with Fairview, it was a clove hitch and that is what the "X" indicated in the pic.

In boot camp we were require to secure our bag to the rack using a clove hitch. Knots a fun!

Clove hitch will not release by pulling the tail. More than likely it was version of the chain knot. Simply put your lifted item between two of the chain links.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ2Nlrm8AAY

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You are correct. But I'm not seeing where anyone said a clove hitch knot could be untied by pulling the tail.

I had said I remember pulling a tail for it to come undone.