Serving Mallet
Name/Title
Serving MalletEntry/Object ID
2025.1.605Description
A 'Serving' Mallet and Rope workers toolsContext
A serving mallet is a hand tool, typically made of wood, with a semicircular groove in its head designed to fit around a rope. It is in our 'Treen' Cabinet because it is made of a hardwood, probably Lignum Vitae. It is used in traditional sailing and by the Royal and Merchant Navy's, to tightly wrap twine or spunyarn around a rope, a process called "serving," to protect it from chafing and wear. The rope is placed in the groove, and the twine is wound around the rope and the mallet's handle to create tension and a secure, tight wrap. Purpose: To protect rope or wire rigging from damage by applying a tight outer layer of twine or spunyarn. Mechanism: The mallet's groove fits over the rope, and the twine is passed around both the rope and the mallet's handle. As the mallet is turned, the twine is pulled taut and laid down in a tight, overlapping coil. Process: 'Serving' is often the final step after other protective measures like "worming" and "parcelling" have been completed. Usage: This tool was primarily used for traditional rigging on sailing ships, as modern vessels tend to use different types of rope.Category
Treen