Description
The Slipped Clove Hitch is a quick release version of the standard Clove Hitch that can be used to temporarily attach a rope to a post or railing.
History
The name Clove Hitch is given by William Falconer in his book Universal Dictionary of the Marine published in 1769. However, the knot is much older, having been tied in ratlines (rope steps) of sailing ships as early as the sixteenth century as evidenced by sculpture and paintings of the time.
Structure
The Slipped Clove Hitch is simply a Clove Hitch that employs a tucked bight providing a mechanism for quick release.
Strength/Reliability
The Slipped Clove Hitch is not secure and should only be used as a temporary attachment in non-critical applications. Though the Slipped Clove Hitch can be used as a binding knot, it is not particularly secure in that role and the Slipped Miller's Knot or Slipped Constrictor Knot are generally more appropriate for the task.
Common Uses
- temporarily attach a rope to a post with instant release.
- fasten a line to a rail or beam where quick untying is needed.
- secure a rope briefly while setting up a more permanent knot.
Found in
