CLOVE HITCH

The clove hitch is a type of knot often considered as one of the most essential knots. It consists of two opposed half hitches made successively around an object.

This is a very important knot of only theoretical value. Without extra support, it is untrustworthy in any situation, except as a crossing knot.
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.
Ashley’s Book of Knots says, “The Clove Hitch was, originally, included here with the intention of condemning it. It does have two giant faults: it slips and, illogically, can also bind. However, it does have at least one excellent application (though NOT in boating!)”.


Given Names: Clove Hitch, Two half-hitches.
Scouting Class: Tenderfoot/Membership
Typical Use: Securing lines running along a series of posts, belaying, start and finish lashings and weak binding.
Condition: Can slip or come undone if the object it is tied to rotates or if regular pressure is not maintained on the line or stating part is pulled in the wrong direction.



This is practically a simple knot that can be useful for securing ropes to trees, posts, or other things that stand upright. However, it only holds well when pulled directly against the knot and when it is under a continuous pressure. Hence it is commonly used to start and end lashings but not for climbing purposes also in sailing, especially as a temporary way to hold things. It is easy to adjust the length of the rope if you need to.



TYING:

Make two similar loops, side by side in the rope, Fig. A and B, slide them together so that they look like C. Slip over the end of the pole and pull tight as in D.
There are many different ways of tying this knot, some useful, others merely interesting and amusing. Try your hand at tying as many variations as possible.






When it is necessary to form a clove hitch around a spar which is closed at both ends or around a pole too high to toss over, we use this method. Make a simple turn around the bar, across the rope over and tuck it as shown. Fig. D shows the complete knot.



USES
The Clove Hitch is used to attach a line to an object. Not a highly secure knot, but sufficient to attach fenders to lifelines.
This is an adjustable knot that's great for temporary uses such as mooring. It can be tied simply by doing opposite two half hitches. It is used in a number of ways and is important as the starting and finishing of most of the lashings and is widely used in boat work, gadget making and pioneering and for making rope ladders. Passing around an object in one continuous direction, it puts almost no strain on the fibres.
Although not a very safe hitch, it's quick to tie and simple to adjust - best for securing fenders and the like.
The clove hitch can slip when loaded. In smaller diameter cords, it may jam and become difficult to untie after being heavily weighted. It is also very unreliable when used to hitch to a post with sharp corners. The knot is useful in situations where the length of the running end needs to be adjustable.
A hitch knot formed by twin crossed loops of rope. It is often used to attach the climbing rope to belay anchors since it is easily adjusted.



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Knotting
Reef Knot
Sheet Bend