Clove hitch

[WPArborist]

I was briefly talking to a young guy I worked with in the summer, he is currently in an apprentiship program this winter. His instructor told him that they are not allowed to use the clove hitch for rigging. This was 1 of the first knots I learnt and am very comfortable using it, and use it often. I was shocked to hear this, I think this is complete rubbish. Is there any truth to this?


WP

 

[Colin]

I would never use it for rigging. A water bottle on a line, but not rigging. A bowline is better.

 

[The_Pheniox]

I use it sometimes but always back it up with a half hitch.

 

[WPArborist]

I would say a clove by it self no, but a clove with a couple half hitches....why not.

WP

 

[TLHamel]

I use it often... Clove hitch with two half-hitches (sometimes called a double clove hitch), especially when using spider legs.

 

[tophopper]

The Clove is suitable for rigging if it is backed up.

Id bet it retains more tensile strength than a running bowline.

 

[Colin]

Perhaps, but I usually operate within the SWL of the ropes, so I don't worry about it all that much.

That's just how I roll.

 

[Blinky]

The clove hitch is one of my favorite knots. I don't hesitate to tie in with one when I'm using a rope bridge instead of a split tail. It's a strong, elegant knot... but I don't see much of an application in rigging unless I was tying something to a ring or a hook.

I learned it climbing ice. Put in a screw, clove hitch it right next to the ice with a runner, clip in and get moving. Clove hitches have held many a screaming fall.

I generally don't back a clove hitch up because you want the tails directed away from whatever it's hitched to for maximum strength and minimum slippage. If you half hitch it you're potentially feeding a tail into the knot which may slip a bit easier... I'm just guessing though, never done it that way.

Just because it doesn't LOOK secure doesn't mean it isn't... it works exactly how a knot is supposed to by relying on the rope's friction against itself.

A tautline is just a clove hitch with extra wraps.

 

[Colin]

Like you said, it must be backed up.

 

[jf1962]

Here in SO-CAL we go w/ clove hitch and two half - hitches

Later from SO-CAL Like your little hommie MB!!

 

[TreeCo]

It's just a matter of preference. I think the apprenticeship program in question is teaching some misinformation and it should be pointed out to them.

 

[Mahk_Adams]

[ QUOTE ]
I generally don't back a clove hitch up because you want the tails directed away from whatever it's hitched to for maximum strength and minimum slippage. If you half hitch it you're potentially feeding a tail into the knot which may slip a bit easier... I'm just guessing though, never done it that way.

Just because it doesn't LOOK secure doesn't mean it isn't... it works exactly how a knot is supposed to by relying on the rope's friction against itself.


[/ QUOTE ]


If you use a clove hitch for lowering a limb the clove hitch <u>must</u> be backed up with two half hitches. If not, there is the chance that the clove will 'unroll'.

Try this--tie a clove hitch on the ground on a smaller (6-14" diameter) tree. Then hold the standing part and walk around the tree against the clove hitch. The hitch will simply unravel all the way to the end of the line.

But, if you tie a clove on that same tree and then pull in one single direction the clove will hold all day long.

In arborist rigging, it is recommeded to always backup a clove hitch with two half hitches because the piece can swing, spin, and unravel.

 

[Colin]

Skip all the drama and use a running bowline.

 

[TheTreeSpyder]

i might run rig to a clove, then to another piece that has a running bowline etc., cut the last piece first to put draw weight on clove.

 

[TC]

I'd use a Clove for sending up a handsaw that had fallen out the tree or a pole saw etc.

I used to use it for rigging with 2 half hitches until one day I was rigging out a large piece away from the stem, the clove rolled out and piece fell about 60ft embedding itself in the lawn.

Always use choked slings or running bow. I think the guy is being taught right.

 

[Waratah]

love the clove hitch use it all the time but i agree you must back it up with a half hitch or running bowline.
Clover hitch is a great load bearing note as the bends are not as sharp as a bowline.

 

[allmark]

[ QUOTE ]
love the clove hitch use it all the time but i agree you must back it up with a half hitch or running bowline.
Clover hitch is a great load bearing note as the bends are not as sharp as a bowline.

[/ QUOTE ]
I too use the clove hithch all the time.If you use the bowline;a 1/2 hitch before it solves the strength issue.

 

[KyLimbwalker]

[ QUOTE ]
Skip all the drama and use a running bowline.

[/ QUOTE ]

Most of the time , yes. But when you are cutting a very large horizontal limb that has the possibility of splitting before you cut it, a clove hitch backed with two half-hitches is appropriate because the splitting branch cannot open it up.

From experience, a running bowline can open up, and the limb slip through. Another variation would be to put a marl before the running bowline.

Also, clove hitches/ cow hitches are good for slippery branches like young, wet maples.

 

[Colin]

Smooth limbs always have a half hitch or two to back up the bowline. Dead, delicate limbs might have 4 or 5.

 

[cory]

I like it for occasions when you need a little extra friction on say a very smooth barked log or limb to be rigged.

Also sometimes it can save a few seconds when using it to tie off say a 3'or 4' long piece, by forming the clove hitch in your hands and then slipping it over the piece and then setting it somewhere in the middle of the piece where you want it.