Clove Hitch

Clove Hitch

Clove Hitch

The Clove Hitch is used to attach a line to a round pile or post. It will not slip down, even though the pile is tapered from large on top to small at the bottom. Also, it is easy to tie and untie under strain. Unfortunately, if the load moves back and forth (slacking and tightening the standing part), the hitch will rotate on the pile, allowing the working part to pull out of the hitch and the bitter end to be drawn into the hitch. Eventually, the bitter end will come completely out of the hitch and the hitch will come undone. To prevent this, the bitter end can be tied around the working part with two half hitches.
  • Start by taking one turn around the pile with the working part, as in A. As you come to the standing part, pass the working part over the standing part and continue the turn until the working part is again at the standing part.
  • Pass the free end under the second turn so that it is parallel to the standing part, as in B.
  • Snug the knot, as in C.
  • Leave enough line at the bitter end to tie the two half hitches, if needed (see first knot).