HOWTO: Tie a Clove Hitch

A clove hitch is used to tie a rope to a solid object, such as a bar or branch, such that the rope will not slip when tension is applied to it. It consists of two half hitches made in opposite directions.

1. Place the rope across the bar from left to right.

      |    |
      |    |
  ____|____|____
A ______________ B
      |    |
      |    |
      |    |
2. Pass the right end (B) under the bar to the left side.
      |    |
  ____|    |
B ____|____|\
A ___________|
      |    |
      |    |
      |    |
3. Bring end B back to the right side and cross the rope on top of the bar.
      |    |
     _|_   |
  __|__ \__|\
A _____\ \___|
      | \ \|___
      |  \_____ B
      |    |
4. Again, pass end B under the bar to the left side.
      |    |
     _|_   |
  __|__ \__|\
A _____\ \___|
B ____| \ \|\
      |  \___|
      |    |
5. Finally, bring end B back to the right but pass under the crossover made in step 3.
      |    |
     _|_   |
  __|__ \__|\
A _____\ \___|___
    |___\ \______ B
      |  \___|
      |    |
A clove hitch can be tied very quickly with one hand. It is also easy to untie, even after a load has been applied to the rope.