Page 24 - Barbara Merry - The Splicing Handbook

These needles “knit” fishing nets and, like their cousin the weaver’s shuttle,
they hold and dispense cordage to grow the cloth. The needles come in different
sizes to assist in making different-sized mesh. Also available from Trawlworks,
these range in cost from just over $1 to $8.

When applying seizing, short sections of service (chafe gear), or applying
service to smaller-sized ropes or wires, these needles are very helpful. They hold
a lot of cordage and provide a comfortable grip while applying the twine under
tension.

A handmade serving tool, the heaver (see next page) is the arborist answer to
the sailor’s serving mallet. This tool is easy to master and easy to make. Any
hardware store can supply the hardware. Use a band saw to shape the body and
fashion the fork end. Drill the hole for the screw, then sand, stain, and varnish.