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A grappling hook or grapnel is a device that typically has multiple hooks (known as ''claws'' or ''flukes'') attached to a rope; it is thrown, dropped, sunk, projected, or fastened directly by hand to where at least one hook may catch and hold onto objects. Generally, grappling hooks are used to temporarily secure one end of a rope. They may also be used to dredge for submerged objects.
The device was invented by the Romans in approximately 260 BC. The grappling hook was originally used in naval warfare to catch ship
Grappling hooks are used by combat engineers to breach tactical obstacles. When used as such, the grappling hook is launched in front of an obstacle and dragged backwards to detonate trip-wire-fused land mines, and can be hooked on wire obstacles and pulled to set off booby traps on the wire. Two tools are available for this purpose; the rifle-launched grapnel (LGH), a single-use grappling hook placed on the end of an M4/
As well as the Grapnel Anchor grapnels are used in the removal and repair of subsea cables, large ships called Cable Layers drag huge grapnels across the seabed until they snag a cable.
Rangers Storm the Cliffs of Pointe du Hoc on D-Day 73 Years Ago
(June 6, 2017) Climbing equipment Mountaineering equipment
A grappling hook or grapnel is a device that typically has multiple hooks (known as ''claws'' or ''flukes'') attached to a rope; it is thrown, dropped, sunk, projected, or fastened directly by hand to where at least one hook may catch and hold onto objects. Generally, grappling hooks are used to temporarily secure one end of a rope. They may also be used to dredge for submerged objects.
The device was invented by the Romans in approximately 260 BC. The grappling hook was originally used in naval warfare to catch ship rigging
Rigging comprises the system of ropes, cables and chains, which support a sailing ship or sail boat's masts—''standing rigging'', including shrouds and stays—and which adjust the position of the vessel's sails and spars to which they ar ...
so that it could be boarded.
Design
A common design has a central shaft with a hole ("eye") at the shaft base to attach the rope, and three or four equally spaced hooks at the end, arranged so that at least one is likely to catch on some protuberance of the target. Some modern designs feature folding hooks to resist unwanted attachment. Most grappling hooks are thrown by hand, but some used in rescue work are propelled by compressed air (e.g., thePlumett AL-52
The AL-52 is a compressed air launcher of British origin manufactured by Plumett Ltd. The AL-52 is capable of launching grappling hook
A grappling hook or grapnel is a device that typically has multiple hooks (known as ''claws'' or ''flukes ...
), , line thrower, mortar, or a rocket.
Applications
Military
Grappling hooks are used by combat engineers to breach tactical obstacles. When used as such, the grappling hook is launched in front of an obstacle and dragged backwards to detonate trip-wire-fused land mines, and can be hooked on wire obstacles and pulled to set off booby traps on the wire. Two tools are available for this purpose; the rifle-launched grapnel (LGH), a single-use grappling hook placed on the end of an M4/M16 rifle
The M16 rifle (officially designated Rifle, Caliber 5.56 mm, M16) is a family of military rifles adapted from the ArmaLite AR-15 rifle for the United States military. The original M16 rifle was a 5.56×45mm automatic rifle with a 20-r ...
, or the crossbow
A crossbow is a ranged weapon using an Elasticity (physics), elastic launching device consisting of a Bow and arrow, bow-like assembly called a ''prod'', mounted horizontally on a main frame called a ''tiller'', which is hand-held in a similar ...
launched version. A grapnel can clear up to 99% of the trip-wires in a single pass.Field Manual 3-34.2 ''Combined Arms Breaching Operations.'' 31 August 2000. Para. C-57 and Table C-2 During WW2 British and German ships would tow grappling hooks in the hope of snagging or damaging enemy submarines; this was a tactic also employed by the Japanese. Grappling hooks were used at the D-Day landings to aid soldiers climbing the cliffs at the Normandy beaches.
Maritime
As well as the Grapnel Anchor grapnels are used in the removal and repair of subsea cables, large ships called Cable Layers drag huge grapnels across the seabed until they snag a cable.
In popular culture
Grappling hooks, grapple guns and their many variants have been a staple in many video games. In the anime and manga franchise Attack on Titan, some omni-directional maneuvering gear are equipped with modified, gas operated grapple guns that placed in their hips or wrist to manoeuvre them.See also
* Manby mortar * Lyle gun *Kaginawa
is the combination of the words ''kagi'' meaning hook and ''nawa'' meaning rope. The kaginawa is a type of grappling hook used as a tool in feudal Japan by the samurai class, their retainers, foot soldiers and reportedly by ninja
A or w ...
* Kusarigama
References
External links
{{CommonscatRangers Storm the Cliffs of Pointe du Hoc on D-Day 73 Years Ago
(June 6, 2017) Climbing equipment Mountaineering equipment