Clove Hitch

What Is It?

It is considered to be one of the most important knots alongside the sheet bend and bowline. Also known as a double hitch, it is simply 2 back to back half hitches around a cylindrical object such as a tree, ax or a post. It causes an efficiency loss of approximately 40%. The quick release knot can also be tied with webbing. It can be an interesting forest school activity.

History and Etymology

Its origin can be traced back to the first quarter of the sixteenth century when it was tied in ratlines. The evidence of this fact lies in early sculptures and paintings.

The word clove is the past tense of cleave meaning split or divided. It is so named as there appear parallel lines of the rope at the back of the knot.

How to Tie a Clove Hitch

Tips

The direction of pull in the 4^th step should be opposite to each other.
On repeatedly weighting and non-weighting the knot, it may loosen and may creep up the open gate of a non-locking carabiner. Hence it should never be kept unattended and is to be used with a locking carabiner.
Instead of the linear support you can have a ring.
You can finish it with a half hitch stopper back around the standing part to prevent slipping.

Variations

Double clove hitch – 2 extra turns are added to each arm to make this modified version. It increases the strength and safety. It is routinely used in windsurfing to join the mast to the boom.
Clove hitch with a slip knot or slip clove hitch – It is the slipped version of the knot where instead of inserting an end in the last step, you pass a bight of rope.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Easy The rope on either side of the hitch can be adjusted without untying the knot Can be tied with one hand effectively shortening belay transitions Unties easily in Dyneema slings unlike the overhand knot Holds tight when 1 strand is weighted	Slipping Binding Unreliable when tied to a rectangular or square post Thinner ropes, when heavily loaded may be difficult to untie

Clove Hitch v/s Other Knots

Girth hitch – Ties a climbing sling to various features.
Munter/Italian hitch – It’s name signifying half clove hitch belay, it is chiefly used to control the rate of descent in belay systems by acting as a friction device.
Bowline – Stronger.
Rolling hitch– Serves the purpose of a stopper knot. It works well when the load applied is not perpendicular to the object, unlike the clove hitch.
Cow hitch – The half hitches are tied in the opposite directions, unlike the clove hitch.

Uses

Functions as a crossing knot.
To start and finish a lashing such as the conventional square lashing in pioneering.
For the master point in a fixed rock climbing anchor. Can also connect a personal anchor.
By placing the knot on the spine of a carabiner you create a biner block that securely blocks against a rapid.
In solo climbing (as it is safe for self-belaying on a biner) and for rappel transitions.
Hoisting.
In decorative macramé patterns (for eg. tying a square knot inside a clove hitch diamond).
For tying bandages (arm slings) in case of injuries and for first aid.
To tie a fender to a rail on a moving boat.
In hammock hanging systems.
To set up teepees.
Tying upholstery springs.
Aircraft wiring.

Video

The below tutorial depicts 2 methods of tying. The 1^st one is identical to the procedure shown in the diagram. The 2^nd one uses loops in the middle of a rope that are dropped over a post. It is also called the open-ended clove hitch. The first part of the 2^nd method can be utilized in making the handcuff knot.

The below video demonstrates how to tie it on a halyard for a ladder. You can apply it on extension ladders as well. It is tied on a bight and is useful for firefighting.