clove hitch

Clove hitch
Category	Hitch
Origin	Ancient
Related	Slippery hitch, Two half-hitches, Buntline hitch, Constrictor knot, Ground-line hitch, Lashings, Snuggle hitch
Releasing	Jamming
Typical use	Securing lines running along a series of posts, belaying, starting lashings, weak binding
Caveat	Can spill if the standing part is pulled forcibly in the wrong direction
ABoK	#11, #53, #69, #70, #204, #400, #421, #437, #1176, #1177, #1178, #1179, #1180, #1245, #1773, #1774, #1775, #1776, #1778, #1779, #1814, #2079, #2541, #2542, #2543, #2544, #2546, #2547, #2548

The clove hitch is a type of knot. Along with the bowline and the sheet bend, is often considered one of the most essential knots.^[1] It consists of two opposed half hitches made successively around an object. It is most effective used as a crossing knot. Although it can be used as a binding knot, it is not particularly secure in that role.^[2] A clove hitch made around the standing part of the line is known as either Two half-hitches or Buntline hitch, depending on whether half-hitches progress away or towards the hitched object.

The knot is useful in situations where the length of the running end needs to be adjustable. In smaller diameter cords, it may jam and become difficult to untie after being heavily weighted.

The knot is often used to make ground anchors for climbing.

A clove hitch formed in the bight and slipped onto a carabiner.

To tie a clove hitch, first place a loop around the pole, with the working end of the rope on top. Run the working end round the pole once more until you meet the place where the ropes cross, then pass the working end under the cross. Pull to tighten.

It can also be formed in the bight, that is in the middle of a rope, without either end available. To tie it this way, form two back-to-back overhand loops in a rope, and then put the top loop underneath the bottom one. Drop both loops over a post and tighten. Be sure it looks just like the knot pictured here, as it is easy to twist the ends in the wrong direction.

References

1. ^ Cassidy 1985, The Klutz Book of Knots
2. ^ Clifford W. Ashley, The Ashley Book of Knots (New York: Doubleday, 1944), 224.

External links

• Grog's Animated Knots: How to tie the clove hitch
• Notable Knot Index - shows quick method of tying
• Hitch Knots - including instructions