Page 30 - Knots, Splices and Rope Work: A Practical Treatise

Figs. 81-82 illustrate two other forms of shortenings, but these can only be used where the
end of the rope is free, and are intended for more permanent fastenings than the ordinary
sheepshank; while Fig. 83 is particularly adapted to be cast loose at a moment’s notice by

jerking out the toggles, A, B.

Grommets are round, endless rings of rope useful in a myriad ways aboard ship as well as

ashore. They are often used as handles for chests, for rings with which to play quoits, to
lengthen rope, and in many similar ways. The grommet is formed of a single strand of
rope five times as long as the circumference of the grommet when complete.

Take the strand and lay one end
across the other at the size of loop
required and with the long end

follow the grooves or “lay” of the
strand until back to where you
started (Fig. 84), thus forming a
two-stranded ring. Then continue
twisting the free end between the
turns already made until the three-

strand ring is complete (Fig. 85).
Now finish and secure the ends by
making overhand knots, pass the
ends underneath the nearest
strands and trim ends off close
(Fig. 86). If care is taken and you
remember to keep a strong twist

on the strand while “laying up”
the grommet, the finished ring
will be as firm and smooth and endless as the original rope.