A top is a hand tool with an iron loop and hook used in the creation and splicing of rope. A Top is used to simultaneously hold a piece of rope while providing a hole to separate the "lays" (or strands) of synthetic or natural rope for splicing. A variation of a Top, the

gripfid The gripfid is an invention of knotting expert Stuart Grainger. It is a small knotter's fid with an added "grip", a hollow shaft that ends near the point with a vee that acts as a jamming cleat. For ply-split braiding the point separates ...

, is used for

ply-split braiding Ply-split braiding is a technique where one twisted cord ("splitter") passes ''through'' another twisted cord or cords splitting the plies of the latter cords ("splittee" cords). This is unlike weaving or many forms of braid A braid (also refe ...

. The gripfid has a jamming cleat to pull a cord back through the cord split by the fid's point. A variation of a Top can also be used as a rope wrench, rope separator or rope tool can be used in the manufacture of laid

rope A rope is a group of yarns, plies, fibres, or strands that are twisted or braided together into a larger and stronger form. Ropes have tensile strength and so can be used for dragging and lifting. Rope is thicker and stronger than similarl ...

. The top is used to prevent the strands of a rope twisting together prematurely, which would lead to the rope being loose, allowing it to untwist. The amount of pressure applied to the top determines the stiffness of the final product; more pressure forces the strands together more tightly, making a rope that is harder to bend. Tops come in a variety of forms for use on different types of rope. The simplest is a forked

stick Stick or the stick may refer to: Thin elongated objects * Twig * The weapon used in stick fighting * Walking stick, a device to facilitate balancing while walking * Shepherd's crook * Swagger stick * Digging stick * Swizzle stick, used to sti ...

, used to create three strand rope, however more elaborate grooved bullet-shaped and

cast iron Cast iron is a class of iron– carbon alloys with a carbon content more than 2%. Its usefulness derives from its relatively low melting temperature. The alloy constituents affect its color when fractured: white cast iron has carbide impuri ...

types are available. Depending on the gauge of rope being made, the top can either be handheld or mounted on a trolley that moves along the

ropewalk A ropewalk is a long straight narrow lane, or a covered pathway, where long strands of material are laid before being twisted into rope. Due to the length of some ropewalks, workers may use bicycles to get from one end to the other. Many rope ...

Usage

A rope is pushed into the curved hook to hold the rope securely. A

Fid A fid is a conical tool traditionally made of wood or bone. It is used to work with rope and canvas in marlinespike seamanship. A fid differs from a marlinspike in material and purposes. A marlinspike is used in working with wire rope, natural ...

is then pushed through the loop to create an opening to prepare for splicing.

History

Invented in 1822 in Dudley by Alexander Adams the Top was first used to braid and weave rope or twine together. By the 1900’s the tool was refined to aid specifically with splicing large ropes over 1 inch (25.4 mm) diameter – such as those used on ships.

References

External links

ANTIQUE DORHAM BRONZE FID SAILOR'S ROPE SPLICING TOOL NAUTICAL FISHING

How to Eye Splice in Old, Hard, Rope Using a Swedish Fid
Tools Ropes {{tool-stub

Usage

History

See also

References

External links