Although this knot is handy because of its simplicity, it should only be used to temporarily tie a boat to a piling, and only if the boat is being watched. The clove hitch can jam under heavy tension, making it difficult to untie. Worse, is its tendency to untie itself when subjected to repeated strain and release such as a boat rocking in waves. It can in fact suffer from the hitch unrolling under tension if the pole can turn. Despite these weaknesses the clove hitch is still ideal when temporarily tieing up at a fuel dock or for fenders. Use to attach a rope to a pole, this knot provide a quick and secure result. Often used to start and finish lashings.