Clove Hitch

A hitch formed by two successive turns around an object with the rope crossing between them.

It is quick to tie in the end or bight of a line and is useful for temporary attachment where the load remains reasonably steady and in a suitable direction. Fender lines are a common light-duty use, although a round turn with additional securing may be more dependable on some rails.

A clove hitch can slip, roll or bind under changing, cyclic or one-sided loads and is unreliable on smooth or tapering objects without suitable backup. It should not be treated as a universally secure mooring or life-safety knot.