Page 241 - The Complete Rigger’s Apprentice

into the middle of the wire (Figure 6-44E). Rotat- of where the other end dove in. Insert the other
ing the spike counterclockwise will make it travel spike, from left to right, under three strands so that
down one side of the grommet, burying the end and it emerges in the same space that the first spike
pushing the heart out as it goes (Figure 6-44F). went into. Place the new working end between the
Experiment with the angle at which you hold the spikes and lever it down with the first spike (Fig-
spike until you can roll the end in without distorting ure 6-44G). Then rotate the first spike as before,
the strands. When you’re halfway around, the taped
end will disappear inside. Go back to the start for Figure 6-44G. To roll the more stubborn other end in,
one last bit of finesse. trap it between two spikes, one going into the wire on
The second strand is more difficult to submerge its left, the other emerging from the wire on its right.
than the first. To get it started I use two spikes, a Wedge the strand into the middle, then roll it along as
slightly involved method but one that works every above. When it’s well started, remove the righthand
time. Turn the grommet (or yourself) around and spike. Note: The two ends should not cross each other
insert a spike under the three strands to the right at this juncture, but go into the wire after passing by
each other.
Figure 6-44E, F. Seen from the other side of the grom-
met, the spike buries the strand end and removes half
the length of the heart. Tape the end of the strand.

Figure 6-44H. Roll the second end completely into the
wire; the heart will fall free as the end goes in, butted
against the other end. Tap lightly with the mallet to
fair all turns.

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