06/15/2026
I found this interesting especially with the uptick in campers.
an instructional diagram illustrating three different types of anchorages (also known as holdfasts). These are field-expedient engineering methods used to secure heavy guy lines, cables, or winches to the ground using logs, pickets (wooden stakes), and ropes.
Here is a detailed breakdown of each configuration shown from top to bottom:
1. 3-2-1 Holdfast
This setup uses a series of wooden pickets driven into the ground at an angle away from the direction of the pull to distribute the load.
Structure: It consists of three groups of pickets driven into the earth in a straight line:
Front group: 3 pickets bundled together. This group takes the direct strain from the wire rope/cable via a pulley block.
Middle group: 2 pickets bundled together.
Rear group: 1 single picket.
Mechanics: The pickets are driven into the ground at an angle (roughly 45 to 60 degrees) leaning away from the source of the tension.
Lashing: A rope connects the top of the front group (3 pickets) to the base of the middle group (2 pickets). Similarly, another rope connects the top of the middle group to the base of the rear picket. This diagonal rigging transfers and distributes the pulling force across all six pickets, preventing the front stakes from being pulled out of the ground.
2. Log-and-Picket Holdfast
This configuration combines vertical pickets with a large horizontal log to provide a much higher resistance to heavy loads.
Structure: A large, heavy log is placed horizontally on the ground perpendicular to the direction of the pull.
Picket Placement: Multiple vertical pickets (four in the front and four in the back, as shown) are driven deep into the ground to trap the log in place. The front pickets bear the direct pushing force of the log as it is pulled.
Lashing: Ropes firmly tie the tops of the front pickets to the bases of the rear pickets to prevent the front stakes from tipping forward under the immense pressure.
Connection: The main steel cable is wrapped securely around the center of the log, distributing the pulling force evenly across the entire log-and-picket framework.
3. Dead-Man's Holdfast
This is an underground anchoring method used for maximum holding power, especially when surface soil is loose or the load is exceptionally heavy.
Structure: A deep trench is dug into the earth, perpendicular to the line of pull. A heavy log (the "deadman") is placed horizontally inside this trench.
Mechanics: A narrow channel or slot is dug at an angle leading out of the trench toward the load. The steel cable runs down through this channel and wraps around the buried log.
Inverted Detail (A-A): The inset diagrams labeled A show a cross-lashing detail. A smaller cross-member or picket is lashed perpendicularly across the main log to prevent the cable from slipping or shifting, ensuring the pull remains perfectly centered on the buried log.
Function: Once the log is rigged, the trench is typically backfilled and compacted with dirt. The sheer weight and resistance of the earth packed on top of and in front of the log provide an incredibly strong anchor that is highly resistant to being pulled out.