Covering a ring in hitching can prevent damage if the ring is likely to chafe or strike against something, such as a mooring line or mast.

Continuous ring hitching, also known as single ringbolt hitching, is a series of identical hitches made around a ring.

This is considered the simplest form of ringbolt hitching.

[1] Alternate ring hitching, also known as kackling or keckling, is a type of ringbolt hitching formed with a series of alternate left and right hitches made around a ring.

[1] As a means of dampening sound in row boats when a covert night operation was being undertaken, oar handles were wrapped in keckling knots to prevent wood rubbing on wood.