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Clove hitch

Also: Builder's knot

Fasten

Quickly ties a line to a post, pole or branch.

Difficulty: Easy

  1. Clove hitch – Step 1 of 5
    Step 1 of 5Pass the end once around the post.
  2. Clove hitch – Step 2 of 5
    Step 2 of 5Lead it diagonally over the standing part.
  3. Clove hitch – Step 3 of 5
    Step 3 of 5Wrap it around a second time, above.
  4. Clove hitch – Step 4 of 5
    Step 4 of 5Tuck the end under the crossing.
  5. Clove hitch – Step 5 of 5
    Step 5 of 5Pull both ends tight.

Pros

  • Quick to tie and easy to adjust.
  • Without load it usually unties easily.

Cons

  • Can slip or roll off when the direction of pull changes.
  • Not for important tie-offs on its own. Back it up with half hitches.
  • Holds worse on square posts than on round ones.

Holding and untying

Holds under steady pull across the post. Without load it unties easily.

Suitable rope

Almost any rope. Thin, smooth lines slip more easily.

Common mistake

The second turn goes the other way. Then it isn't a clove hitch and can come undone.

How to check it

Both ends should come out from under the crossing, in opposite directions.

Related knots

Round turn and two half hitchesTimber hitch

The most useful knots for tarp, tent and line, step by step.

Open in the knot guide in the app

In the app the knot guide also works offline.