Which knot is used to fasten a rope around an object for lifting or pulling?

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When you need to secure a rope around an object so you can lift or pull, you want a knot that grips the surface and holds fast as tension builds. The clove hitch fits that need well because it wraps around the object with two opposing turns, pulling tight as the load pulls on the rope. It’s quick to tie around poles, posts, or other cylindrical objects and, once under load, tends to stay in place. It’s also easy to untie after the work is done, which is a big practical advantage.

A bowline, by contrast, makes a fixed loop at the end of the rope rather than tying around the object itself, so it’s not the best choice for fastening a rope to an object for lifting or pulling. The running bowline creates a loop that can slide along the rope, which is useful in different scenarios but not ideal for securing a rope to an object under a steady pull. And a vague option like a general “knot or hitch” isn’t a specific technique you’d use to accomplish this task.