Clove Hitch
Two half-hitches that bind tightly to a round object. The characteristic X on the pipe face locks under load.
Identify rope and pipe
Hold the working end of the rope next to the pipe (batten, post, or clamp). For a clove hitch you'll make two half-hitches in the same direction — they lock against each other under load.
First half-hitch over
Take the working end and pass it OVER the top of the pipe, angling left to right across the front face. The rope goes around behind the pipe and exits from the lower-left. This creates the first wrap — a single diagonal visible on the pipe face.
Cross back over — the X forms
Continue from the lower-left: bring the working end BACK OVER the pipe, this time angling in the opposite direction (right to left). It crosses the first wrap on the front face, creating the characteristic X.
Tighten and dress
Pull both the standing (load) end and working (free) end firmly to seat the knot on the pipe. The X should be tight and centred. Under load the hitch will bind tighter — but always leave a safety tail of at least 6 inches.
Finished clove hitch
The completed clove hitch sits snug on the pipe with two clean diagonal wraps crossing at the centre. Confirm the tail is at least 6 inches long and the X is dressed evenly before putting any load on the hitch.