| Type | Adjustable hitch |
| Tied on | A locking carabiner |
| Main use | Clipping into an anchor |
| Difficulty | Intermediate (requires instruction) |
A sailing knot, named because two turns 'clove' (cleave) around a post or spar.
A clove hitch is an adjustable friction knot that climbers tie directly onto a locking carabiner to attach themselves to an anchor. Its key advantage is that the length can be fine-tuned with one hand after tying, without untying the knot, making it the standard way to clip in at a belay station.
The name comes from sailing, where two turns ‘clove’ around a post.
How it works
The clove hitch is two loops of rope crossed over each other and clipped into a locking carabiner. When the load strand is pulled, the loops cinch against the carabiner’s spine and grip. Because the knot is tied on the carabiner rather than around a fixed point, a climber can pull rope through to sit closer to or further from the anchor with one hand — invaluable when managing a multi-pitch belay.
When climbers use it
It is most often used for personal anchoring at a belay station and for building or extending anchors. It pairs naturally with the Munter hitch, which can be tied on the same carabiner to belay.
Common mistakes & safety
The most common errors are loading the strand across the carabiner gate instead of the spine, and clipping into a non-locking carabiner. Always lock the gate and confirm both turns are seated correctly. This article is educational and not a substitute for hands-on instruction from a qualified climbing instructor.
Frequently asked questions
Why do climbers use a clove hitch instead of a figure eight?
Because a clove hitch can be lengthened or shortened with one hand after it is tied, letting a climber adjust their distance from the anchor instantly. A figure eight is more secure for the main tie-in but cannot be adjusted without untying it.
Is a clove hitch safe for climbing?
Yes, when tied correctly on a locking carabiner and dressed properly. It can slip slightly under very high shock loads, so it is used for personal anchoring at belays rather than as a primary fall-arrest knot, and the carabiner gate must always be locked.
Can a clove hitch come undone?
A correctly tied and loaded clove hitch holds reliably, but it can loosen if it is unloaded and the rope is jostled. Climbers keep it clipped to a locking carabiner and check that both strands sit neatly across the spine, not the gate.
Sources
- Anchoring and belay-station technique — American Alpine Club
- Knot reference — Petzl