Clove Hitch

Clove Hitchs are used to create climbing anchors. It is simple to tie and very easy to adjust.

Regular Method

Note: the load barring strand of rope should be the closest to the spine of the biner, this ensures the maximum strength of the biner is utilized. It is particularly important for pear-shaped biners. In the above photo, the load barring strand would be the strand on the left side of the photo.

One Handed Method

If the rope is already clipped in a biner, the clove hitch can be quickly tied using only one hand. This is very useful when a climber needs to anchor in while keeping one hand on the rock (at a hanging belay for example).

With the gate of the carabiner facing you, bring the free strand of rope around and behind the load barring strand.

Twist the free strand to form a loop, following the arrow in the above photo. Pay special attention to which way you twist it. If it was twisted in the other direction, you will end up with a girth hitch instead of a clove hitch.

Clip the loop into the biner, tighten the knot by pulling on both strands.

The finished clove hitch.

Related Pages

• Knots
• Rock Climbing