Page 302 - The Complete Rigger’s Apprentice

angled groove

copper rivet

lashing hole

Figure 7-18. Preparing the first end of a ratline rung.

With some typist’s white correction fluid, mark
the height at which you want your first ratline. This Figure 7-19. Begin the lashing with a Buntline Hitch
will probably be just above the splice or fitting on (see Figure 3-9), then proceed with a series of Square
the forward shroud. (Because of sheer, a start on the Lashings as shown. (Figure-eight crossings would
after shroud would result in the forward end of the leave longer runs of twine to stretch and loosen. Haul
ratline landing on the turnbuckle. The opposite may taut each turn as you go.)
be true on mizzen shrouds.) Hold the half-done rat-
line against the shroud, setting the wire firmly into
the groove. Level it against the horizon, then mark
the top of the after end, exactly where the middle
of the shroud touches it. Take the piece back down,
drill three more holes at the appropriate angles,
install the rivet, and cut the wire hole in half. Smear
a little oil, varnish, or other grain-sealer on the ends,
go back to the shrouds, and set it in place.

Lashing
You should now have a perfectly fitted ratline, lack-
ing only secure attachment to its new home. Cut
1
8 feet (2.44 m) of ⁄16-inch (1.5-mm) or so tarred
nylon twine and hitch it to one of the wires, right at
the top of the ratline. Pass the working end down Figure 7-20. When you can no longer fit turns of
through the lashing hole, around the wire below, and Square Lashing through the lashing hole, begin fig-
back up through the hole (Figure 7-19). Continue ure-eight turns, finishing each with a Half Hitch. This
this Square Lashing until there are four or five turns “fraps” the underlying turns and gives chafe-protec-
on either side. Finish with figure-eight turns made tion and backup strength.
over the end, making a Half Hitch with each turn
for security (Figure 7-20). Pull each of the square
and figure-eight turns very tight as you go, using a Tying a Figure-Eight Knot in the end and working
Marlingspike Hitch. Secure the end with a couple of it up very close to the hitches will assure that they
Half Hitches made around the wire below the rung. never come undone (Figure 7-21).

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