Swabisch Hitch (Wireman's Pulling Hitch)

This is the premier pulling hitch, no question! I rank it as the #2 most useful wireman's knot, after the Bowline.

To tie it, pull a sufficient amount of rope over the wire. Wrap 5 times towards the direction you are pulling from. Bring the tail end over the working end, then finish with a half hitch that exits through the same loop as the working end. It looks like a Clove hitch with backing twists

It has an incredible array of uses but first of all it is for pulling wire. I use it to secure a wire head about 3 feet back and then finish with another half hitch close to the end of the head. It does not need to be taped as long as a sufficient tail is left (4-6 inches in usually plenty).

But it's versatility doesn't stop there; the magic happens when you need to use it as a grip-and-slip knot. Anytime you need to pull extra wire out, this hitch shines. It grabs tightly on the slickest wire jackets and lubricant won't bother it in the slightest. It also does not damage insulation. If you need multiple bites of wire after you have gotten the head out, this knot can simply be slid un the wire and it grabs again immediately.

There's lots of other uses too! It is excellent for strain relief and holding up temporary power cords. It grips onto an array of stuff besides wire so use it to anchor to a conduit or pipe that's running parallel to your direction of force. It also will help you pull a ground rod, in the unfortunate situation where you need that. All you have to do is just tie this hitch on the ground rod with mule tape and then put a span loop or Bowline as close to the ground rod as possible. Set up a wooden block for a fulcrum, insert a digging bar through the loop and lift the rod right out with this low-tech lever.