The Clove Hitch

To tie the knot move the mouse along the numbers 1 - 5.
Alternate between 5 and Structure to see the structure.

Uses: The Clove Hitch (ABOK # 1245, p 224) was, originally, included here with the intention of condemning it. It does have two major failings: it slips and, paradoxically, can also bind. However, it does have at least one excellent application (though NOT in boating!):

Theatre Scenery: Thanks to Curtis Mortimore of Ball State University, I am delighted to describe its use hanging, for example, stage curtains from a horizontal 1-1/2" schedule 40 pipe. A clove hitch round the pipe allows the height of the pipe to be adjusted up or down very accurately by rolling the knot slightly. When "set" at the right height, a couple of half hitches are added for security. Paradoxically, this application illustrates the introduction - it can bind and it can slip!   Note: For this application the clove hitch is usually tied using the end.

Tied Using the End: When it is not convenient to form a clove hitch with two loops, it can be tied by passing the end round the pole (picture on right).

Slipping: I watched a friend trying to dock his 53' Hatteras. Each time the bow mooring line was handed to the marina assistant, he used a clove hitch to attach the line to the dock's post. The offshore wind was blowing the stern away so my friend used his engines to swing the stern in. Each time he did so the strain was too much for the Clove Hitch, which slipped undone. This process was repeated seven times despite increasingly forceful requests that some other knot be employed to secure the line. Reviewing the events later it became apparent that the assistant was using the only knot he knew.

Binding: Finally, if you make the knot secure by stacking on additional half hitches, i.e., multiple clove hitches, then you are inviting a major strain to cause the earlier turns to bind tightly and be impossible to untie. So, if on a boat you feel an urge to use a clove hitch - resist! Choose something else:

• Mooring:
        Two Round Turns and Two Half Hitches
        Rolling Hitch
        Bowline
        Cleat Hitch


• Temporary whipping for a frayed rope end
        Constrictor Knot


• Gain quick control of a mooring line
        Two (or Three) round turns and hold the end;
        - then add two half hitches at your leisure.
        - see Two Round Turns and Two Half Hitches

Paradox: When you actually tie this round turn and two half hitches, in the process you will create a clove hitch round the standing end!