Page 27 - The Complete Rigger’s Apprentice

Universal Marlingspike Proportions

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The late Nick Benton, master rigger of extraordinary diameter of ⁄64 inch (3.6 mm) at the widest part of
talent, turned his mind to every aspect of rigging. the “duck taper” at the tip.
Appalled by the blunt clubs sold as marlingspikes This design is suited to more than splicing; it will
these days, Nick analyzed the proportions of classic let you get the point into shackles of a size you’re
Drew spikes, and came up with the accompanying likely to use with ⁄8-inch (9.5 mm) wire. There’ll
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diagram. “X” refers to the diameter of wire you’ll be be enough meat that you won’t have to worry so
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working with. A spike for ⁄8-inch (9.5 mm) wire, for much about bending or breaking the spike. For most
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1
example, would be 9 inches (229 mm) long, with a yachts, a spike scaled to ⁄16-inch (8 mm) wire—7 ⁄2
inches (191 mm) long—is appropriate.
3 ⁄8 5 dia. hole
2 5
1 ⁄16 5 dia. 1 ⁄8 5 dia. 3 ⁄8 5 dia.
1
1
1 1 ⁄2 5 2 5 18 5 2 5
duck
2 5
taper
4 5
5
1 ⁄8 5 dia.
24 5

The Marlingspike
All of rigging—right up through its most abstract Length depends on the job and individual taste;
engineering complications—is based on principles 6 to 10 inches is a good range for shipboard use.
and procedures relating to this tool. It is used for Many people like the folding rigger’s knife-spike
pulling seizings and lashings tight, making splices, combination, but I don’t; a spike is too often needed
loosening jammed knots, and tightening shackles. in a hurry when you don’t have both hands free.
It’s also called on to function as a crowbar, wrench, Fishery supply stores are the source for conven-
hammer, weapon, and musical instrument (ting!), tional spikes, but the ones available today are usu-
so it pays to have a good one. By “good” I mean ally stubby things. If you want to make your own,
that it: see the accompanying sidebar “Universal Marling-
spike Proportions.”
• Is made of smooth, hard steel, either carbon or Note that, in a shop near Port Townsend, a very
stainless; talented smith named Richard Soine is now produc-
• Has a long taper and small flattened point for ing Drew-style spikes. You can get them through our
easier splicing, prying, and such; and shop (see Sources and Resources).
• Has a lanyard hole for tying the tool to your belt
or rigging bag so that when you are working The Rigging Knife
aloft, it does not accidentally become a weapon This is the spike’s complement, a specially designed
(thud) or a musical instrument (ting! splash!). blade that is equally suited to cutting heavy rope

Figure 1-9. The marlingspike, rigging’s most essential tool.

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