Marlinspike

For other uses, see Marlinspike (disambiguation).

A typical marlinspike with a lanyard

Another style of marlinspike with an integral shackle key. This one is shown with a marlinspike hitch attached.

Marlinspike (pronounced /ˈmɑrlɨnspaɪk/, sometimes marlin spike, marlinespike, or the archaic marlingspike/marling-spike) is a tool used in ropework for tasks such as unlaying rope for splicing, untying knots, forming a toggle (for releasing ropes joined under tension such as with a belaying pin splice), or forming a makeshift handle.

A marlinspike is a polished cone tapered to a rounded or flattened point, usually 6 to 12 inches long, although sometimes 26 inches or longer, depending on what ply and size of rope they are intended for. The marlinspike is a tool made from metal, usually iron or steel, differentiating it from the fid which is similar in shape and function but made from wood or bone. The marlinspike may be a separate tool or one item on a pocket knife.

Sailors who become quite proficient at knot tying, sewing, and use of the marlinspike can be known as marlin spikes, or marlin spike seamen. The body of knowledge that includes knotting and splicing is called marlinespike seamanship.

Uses

For splicing, the marlinspike is inserted into laid rope and levers open a strand to form a hole, thereby allowing larger items to be inserted into the lay.

Marlinspikes may be required to untie knots that tighten up under tension. A very tight knot becomes impossible to pick apart without the spike, which may be slipped between the various pieces of line.

Used in conjunction with a marlinspike hitch, the spike can form a handle to comfortably produce more tension on a rope than by gripping with the hand alone.

Etymology

The word marlinspike comes from the verb "to marl", which refers to the practice of "marling", or winding small diameter twine called marline onto larger ropes.^[1] The fish marlin is named after the marlinspike.^[2]

See also

Nautical portal

• Marlinspike Hall
• Fid

References

1. ^ "marlinespike". Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1), Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary. 2006. http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=marlinspike&r=66. 
2. ^ Douglas Harper (November 2001). "marlin". Online Etymological Dictionary. http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=marlin. 

External links

• Photos of Marlinspikes and Seamanship tools.