Sailing knots · Hitch
How to Tie a Clove Hitch
A clove hitch attaches a rope to a rail, post or ring in seconds and is easy to adjust. Take a turn round the rail crossing over the standing part, take a second turn beside it, then tuck the end under that second turn.
- Type
- Hitch
- Used for
- Quickly attaching a line to a rail, post, or ring. Commonly used for fenders and temporary mooring.
- Strength retained
- ~60% of rope strength
How to tie a clove hitch, step by step
- 1
First turn
Pass the working end round the rail or post and cross it over the standing part.
Jazzmanian at English Wikibooks, Public domain - 2
Second turn
Take a second turn round the rail in the same direction, beside the first.
- 3
Tuck under the second turn
Push the working end under the second turn, so it comes out between the two turns and alongside the standing part.
- 4
Snug it up
Pull both ends so the two turns sit tight and parallel, with a diagonal crossing over the top.
ClemRutter, CC BY-SA 4.0
Tip
Can slip on smooth surfaces or when load alternates. Add a half hitch for security. Quick to tie and untie.
Common mistakes
- Relying on it alone when the load changes direction. A clove hitch can roll off a smooth rail, so add a half hitch or two.
- Making both turns cross the wrong way, which gives two half hitches that fall apart.
- Using it as a mooring line knot. Use a round turn and two half hitches instead.
Related knots
- How to Tie a Round Turn and Two Half HitchesHitch
- How to Tie a Rolling HitchHitch
- How to Tie a Cleat HitchHitch
See all 8 knots in the knot guide or practise them in the knot game.