Pros Cons - When and When Not To

[thattreeguy]

ive got this knot I tie 1 handed, its like a bowline, but not, it is super easy to untie, it always holds, maybe ill have to post a video and someone will know what it is, nice cause the groundies only pull the tail and it unties, ( first pulls out of a loop though)

 

[Tucker943]

I lower with a running bowline and nothing but. I know better then to lower with clove hitches. I think Asplundh may have even outlawed them on jobs.

 

[Pelorus]

Am not a big fan of having to use a screwdriver to undo a butterfly that was loaded heavy.
Bowline family have been good to me. Clove is (and will remain) a stranger.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Clove is (and will remain) a stranger

It's perfect for sending up a water bottle: nothing's better.

 

[pete mctree]

Rigging with a clove-hitch is easy - both for the climber & groundsman. It is not for every circumstance, but most small, medium limbs I usually rig with it. I like the fact when It is tied the rope keeps going around in the same direction - alot easier in awkward spots

 

[MasterBlaster]

Why don't you use it on the larger limbs?

 

[pete mctree]

Not sure to be honest. Resort to half-hitch & timber hitch, which is probably inferior strength wise, but was how I was taught.

 

[Merle Nelson]

thattreeguy, I definitely want to see your knot that ‘can be tied one handed, always holds, is easy to untie, just pull a tail’. Please make a short imperfect video and share it.

A con for the clove hitch may be that it is more imperative that it be set and dressed properly than some other knots. I was watching a video where someone put a clove hitch on and left a 3/8 to 1/2 gap between the wraps of rope and were ready to lower on it. And then I hear so many strong things said against it here.

I have been using the clove hitch for most limb lowering for 30 years, weights up to 100 lbs. or so, with only two limbs ever offering to roll out. And I immediately realized that was my fault, sloppy tie on one heavy piece too short of a tail on another. I did not even know that one “must” use “two” half hitches to back up a clove hitch until a year ago on the forum.

 

[Tucker943]

I like the clove hitch to send up my water bottle and my pole saw.

 

[Adam_P]

Usually when I'm tying a clove it's to make sure I don't forget how to tie it. The next piece is back to a running bowline.

 

[thattreeguy]

It's perfect for sending up a water bottle: nothing's better.

true that,

 

[CurSedVoyce]

I like these better......

 

[MasterBlaster]

I bet you like egg in your beer, too!

 

[CurSedVoyce]

Not!

WHatevaaaaaah!

 

[thattreeguy]

Video is now on it own thread

 

[Cold Logging]

Wow, very glad to see some bowline afficianados here.
A clove hitch is good for tying a line off to a scaffold. Or to a truck's side boards. . But then sois a running bowline. Heck, if you make the eye big enuf a bowline will make a split tail prussic.

 

[TreeRhino]

As far as the alpine butterfly goes, I've ditched it in favor of a knot I learned called the circus bowline. Easier to tie thN the butterfly but doesn't bind. Unties like a bowline.

I'm a running bowline for rigging guy. Half hitch or marl below if there isn't a crotch or stub between the tie off point and the cut.

Rarely use the clove for rigging. Sometimes to rig down multiple limbs. But that's rare. Mostly sending stuff up.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Mostly sending stuff up.

+10!!!

 

[Cold Logging]

I use a clove hitch to tie the throw bag on to the throw line.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Bowline, here.

 

[SouthSoundTree]

slippery clove hitch on the throwbag ring historically, but just tied an overhand on a bight into a loop, and have been girth hitching it. There is a risk of the loop snagging. So far, so good. I keep at least two throwlines on the truck, as much as possible.

 

[ClimbMIT]

slippery clove hitch on the throwbag ring historically, but just tied an overhand on a bight into a loop, and have been girth hitching it. There is a risk of the loop snagging. So far, so good. I keep at least two throwlines on the truck, as much as possible.

I did the same thing recently but mine got snagged on small dead limb if I remember correctly? I like the Clove hitch for multiple limbs or when a limb is in your face. If the limb is below me,out a ways, or tying big wood I use the Running Bowline.

 

[sotc]

Slippery 8 on the throw bag, fast.

 

[ClimbMIT]

Slippery 8 on the throw bag, fast.

That is the one where you leave a bight coming out the 8 right?

 

[treesandsurf]

How often do you guys put a half hitch or similar below or above a running bowline when rigging? My climber seems to put them on everything and it is much slower than just doing a running bowline. I usually only back it up with a half hitch if I'm negative blocking or if it's really slippery wood.

jp