Also known as the unimproved or regular clinch knot, this classic fishing knot ties your fishing line onto a hook, fake bait or swivel. The rivet knot, one of the oldest and best knots for this purpose, retains approximately 90-95% of the rope strength. It performs much better than the rivet knot developed for heavy mono lines and is good for both mono-strand and braided nickel-titanium leaders. It is also simpler and faster to connect, but tests have shown that it is 50% weaker than the improved version.
This explains its poor performance in landing large fish. It is also more prone to dissolution. In recent years the original Clinch Knot has been replaced by the "Improved Clinch Knot" to such a degree that the regular old clinch knot has fallen out of favor with many anglers. Fishermen even refer to the improved version as the rivet knot, and a Google search mostly returns results for the improved version.
You must have at least 4 turns around the rope to clinch. However, it largely depends on the type of fishing rod you use. Lighter lines need more turns to prevent them from unraveling. Braided lines are more prone to slipping so should have 3-4 extra turns.
How to Tie a Clinch Knot?
Put the rope through the hook eye
Wrap around the other rope 5 times
Put the end of the rope through the first loop
Pull it and the other rope to tighten
Cut off the excess end
Rivet Knot Alternatives
Improved Clinch
San Diego Jam Node
Rivet Knot Variations
Double clinch knot – Done with double line following the same steps as above, this is better for thin leaders or lines.
Improved rivet knot –Stronger but more complex.
Palomar knot – Suitable for stronger and braided lines.
Uni Knot – Provides stronger and greater breaking strength.
