Page 350 - The Complete Rigger’s Apprentice

A B

Figure 10-4. Ringbolt Hitching in its most basic
form is made with three strands. The first is hitched
to the left, the second to the right, the third to the Figure 10-5. Five-strand Ringbolt Hitching. Pass
left, and so on (A). A Ringbolt Hitching variation each end up through the bight above it, then hitch
involves hitching all three strands first left, then opposite the direction of the top turn. It takes a lot
right, for a zigzag pattern (B). of fussing.

Next we have Ringbolt Hitching, always involv- the hitching ends; they’re just hanging out there.
ing three or more strands tucked in different direc- This is best done with a Turk’s Head at either end
tions. In the basic form, the first strand is hitched (see the “Turk’s Head” section later in this chapter),
left, the next right, next left, and so on, so that the of whatever complexity you feel up to.
hitches form a ridge along one side of the object
being covered. Keep the ridge straight (Figure Some Practical Details
10-4). A variation involves tucking all three left, Whatever form of knot you use, the surface you’re
then all three right. covering should be clean and well-sealed. If the
For a big jump in complexity, try a five-strand surface is slippery, parcel with adhesive tape or, on
Ringbolt Hitching (Figure 10-5), a lovely, infuriat- wood, work over sanded shellac or varnish.
ingly complicated production that is just the thing Cord size is important: too large, and you’ll get
for a tiller, companionway rail, or other special clumsy-looking, lumpy hitches that are uncomfort-
place. The trick with this is to draw up a little with able to hold; too small, and you’ll have a lovely little
the lead strand, and a lot two and three stages back. antimacassar. But by then you’ll be old and blind.
Ringbolt Hitching, particularly suited to cover- Linen twine or cotton cod line of of 32 to 60 thread
ing arced cylinders such as the rim of a wheel, was is right for most fancy work. Match the size to the
developed as chafing gear on the deck ringbolts to project at hand. Many synthetic twines do not finish
which hemp anchor cables were stopped in the days well and are unpleasant to work with, but some are
before chain. Nowadays one sees it on chest beckets, rather nice. See the “Sources and Resources” section
lanyards, rail corners, and tire fenders, as well as for where to find the good stuff, both natural and
ship’s wheels. And it isn’t limited to arcs; by haul- synthetic.
ing back on the hitches and slightly spreading the To find how much twine you need to cover a
underside turns, it works for straight cylinders, too. given length and diameter, make a practice run—a
Once you’ve got hitching figured out and have good idea anyway—using a known length of twine.
covered the object of your choice, you’ll want to hide Measure how far this length gets, then multiply it to

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