A marlinspike ( / ˈ m ɑːr l ɪ n s p aɪ k / , sometimes spelled marlin spike , marlinespike , or [archaic] marlingspike ) is a tool used in marine ropework . Shaped in the form of a narrow metal cone tapered to a rounded or flattened point, it is used in tasks such as unlaying rope for splicing , untying knots , drawing tight using a marlinspike hitch , and as a toggle joining ropes under tension in a belaying pin splice.
6-475: Marlinspikes are usually about 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) long but may reach 2 feet (61 cm) or more when used for working heavy cables and ropes. They are usually made from iron or steel, whereas fids , similar in shape and function, are formed from wood or bone. Historically a separate tool, the marlinspike is integrated in specialized versions of folding rigging and pocket knives . Sailors who become proficient at knot tying, splicing, and sewing using
12-499: Is 1 ⁄ 3 a fid length and a long fid is 2 ⁄ 3 the overall fid length. Modern major rope manufacturers such as Yale Cordage , New England Ropes, and Samson Rope Technologies each have full sets of published splicing directions available on their websites. Typically, all splice directions measurements use fid-length as the unit of measurement. Below is a chart that shows exact measurements of full fid lengths, short fid lengths, and long fid lengths, using 21 times
18-440: Is made of metal. A fid is used to hold open knots and holes in canvas, and to separate the "lays" (or strands) of synthetic or natural rope for splicing . A variation of the fid, the gripfid , is used for ply-split braiding . The gripfid has a jamming cleat to pull a cord back through the cord split by the fid's point. Modern fids are typically made of aluminum , steel , or plastic . In addition to holding rope open to assist
24-410: The creation of a rope splice, modern push fids have markings for precise measurements in a variety of sizes of rope. The length of these fids is typically 21 or 22 times the diameter of rope to be spliced. A one-half-inch (12.7 mm) diameter rope would have any accompanying fid 10.5–11 in (266.7–279.4 mm) in length with hash-marks denoting the long and short fid measurements. A short fid
30-438: The marlinspike are said to have mastered marlinespike seamanship , earning them the right to be known as marlin spikes or marlinspike seamen . Marlinspikes are used: Marlinspike derives from the practice of "marling", winding small diameter twine called marline around larger ropes to form protective whippings . The long-billed fish marlin is thought to be named after the marlinspike. Marlin spike gets its name from
36-485: The small cord called marlin, which is typically tarred and used for the serving of rope . The fish marlin actually gets its name from marlin spike. Fid A fid is a conical tool traditionally made of wood or bone . It is used to work with rope and canvas in marlinespike seamanship . A fid differs from a marlinspike in material and purposes. A marlinspike is used in working with wire rope, natural and synthetic lines, may be used to open shackles, and
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