How to Tie The Slipped Clove Hitch

How to Tie the Slipped Clove Hitch

Usage

The Slipped Clove Hitch is a quick-release variation of the Clove Hitch, designed for temporary attachments. This makes it useful in camping, boating, arborist work, and bushcraft where rapid release is required. However, like the standard Clove Hitch, it can slip under heavy loads and should not be used for critical applications.

Why Learn the Slipped Clove Hitch?

The Slipped Clove Hitch is simple, fast to tie, and even faster to release. It is ideal for temporary securing needs where quick access is important, such as securing loads, animal handling, or quick-release mooring. However, because it can come undone unexpectedly if the slip loop is pulled, it must be used with caution. You can see the slip loop form and release step by step in 3D in the Knot IQ app before trying it hands-on.

Common Uses

• Bushcraft & Camping:
  • Securing tarps and shelters with easy release.
  • Fast tie-off points for securing gear.
• Boating & Mooring:
  • Temporary dock line attachment. Holding ropes in place with a quick-release function.
• Animal Handling & Ranch Work:
  • Quick-release tie for livestock or pets. Prevents animals from getting stuck if they panic.
• Emergency & Rescue Situations:
  • Used where a knot must be released quickly and easily.

ABOK Number (Ashley Book of Knots) Not listed in ABOK Other Names Quick Release Clove Hitch Slippery Hitch (in-use alias — not Ashley’s #391, which is a different knot) Category Quick Release Knots Hitches Binding Knots

Notable Features

Learn the clove hitch basics.

• Quick to Tie & Untie: Releases instantly by pulling the free end.
• Adjustable: Can be repositioned before being tightened.
• Not Secure Under Load: Can slip or come undone under strain.

Variations

The Slipped Clove Hitch can be modified for different applications:

• Adding an extra wrap increases friction and stability, reducing unintended release.
• Tying with a backup knot (such as a Half Hitch) can provide extra security if needed.

Similar Knots

Clove Hitch vs. Slipped Clove Hitch

The Clove Hitch is the un-slipped parent knot.

• Pros: Simple and effective for quick attachment.
• Cons: Can slip under varying loads.

Slipped Timber Hitch vs. Slipped Clove Hitch

• Pros: Another quick-release hitch option with more security.
• Cons: Takes slightly longer to tie.

Highwayman’s Hitch vs. Slipped Clove Hitch

The Highwayman’s Hitch is another quick-release option worth comparing.

• Pros: Quick-release function like the Slipped Clove Hitch.
• Cons: Less stable under tension.

History

The Clove Hitch is older than its name: it was being tied in ratlines at least as early as the first quarter of the sixteenth century, as shown in early sculpture and paintings, while the name itself was only recorded by Falconer in his 1769 dictionary (per Wikipedia's clove hitch entry, citing The Ashley Book of Knots, ABOK). The quick-release variation, known as the Slipped Clove Hitch, has been commonly used where a temporary but easily undone knot is needed. Ashley names a slipped clove twice in working contexts — as a miller’s bag-tie and for hoisting game — but never gives it its own numbered entry, so it is historically attested without being catalogued as a distinct knot.

Security Level

The Slipped Clove Hitch is not a secure knot and should only be used for temporary applications. If heavy or unpredictable loads are expected, a more stable knot such as a Clove Hitch with additional wraps or a secured Half Hitch should be considered.

Downsides

• Can Slip Under Load: Should not be used for securing critical loads.
• Accidental Release Risk: Can come undone if the slip loop is unintentionally pulled.

Structure

1. Wrap the rope around the post to form an X.
2. Wrap the working end around again, forming a Clove Hitch.
3. Before tightening, create a bight (loop) and pass it through the last wrap.
4. Pull the standing end to tighten while keeping the slip loop accessible.
5. To release, pull the free working end to undo the knot instantly.

FAQ

What is the Slipped Clove Hitch used for?

It is used for temporary attachments in bushcraft, camping, boating, and ranch work.

How does it compare to the standard Clove Hitch?

The Slipped Clove Hitch is quicker to untie but less secure under load.

Can the Slipped Clove Hitch handle heavy loads?

No, it can slip under tension, so it should only be used for non-critical applications.

Is the Slipped Clove Hitch good for animal handling?

Yes, it is commonly used for quick-release ties for livestock and pets.

Important Notes on Safety

Always ensure the Slipped Clove Hitch is used only for temporary applications where a quick-release function is needed. If securing a load for an extended period or under high tension, choose a more stable alternative such as a standard Clove Hitch with additional securing knots.