When is a Clove Hitch on a carabiner NOT an Clove Hitch on a carabiner? Colin Walker

When is a Clove Hitch on a carabiner NOT an Clove Hitch on a carabiner? 

Colin Walker

A Clove Hitch on a Carabiner is one of my favourite mid rope connections, it is quick, simple and easily adjustable. They should NOT be used near the end of a rope, (without a back up) as they can slip a little under shock load. In the middle of a rope or in a multi-point anchor system a little slipping can be a very good thing!

HMS or type (H), (an H in a circle) carabiners are designed for Munter Hitches and Clove Hitches. Ovals, type (X) also work well with these hitches. Some other types/shapes of carabiner do not let the Clove Hitch sit well on the carabiner and may not allow the Clove Hitch to work at all with stiff or thick ropes.

Image A shows a Dynamic rope Clove Hitched, mid rope, onto a type H carabiner with the BRIDGE of the hitch placed outside the carabiner. Dynamic ropes, Clove Hitches and HMS carabiners play together very well!

Image B shows a stiffer Semi-Static rope tied with a Clove Hitch on an HMS carabiner. Though quite stiff, this rope allows the hitch to be cinched down on the carabiner and provides a safe, adjustable termination in the middle of a rope.

C shows the same Semi-Static rope tied with a Clove Hitch onto the same type H carabiner. This time the BRIDGE of the Clove Hitch was placed inside the carabiner creating an UNSTABLE termination. If dressed and tightened it may stay functional but if allowed to loosen image D easily results.

Image D shows what often happens when the Clove Hitch is tied with the BRIDGE inside the carabiner and the Clove Hitch is unweighted allowing it to loosen!!! This is obviously NOT safe though it may still provide considerable friction to rope movement.

Finally image E. This is a VERY STIFF rope. Hands up if you've used Black Marlow before. This rope is legendary for it's durability but not for it's suppleness. It is 100 polyester, but I digress . It is obviously too stiff for the Clove Hitch to cinch down tightly. Will it hold? Maybe, maybe not!

I'd love to hear others experiences with one of my favourite hitches.