Rope Thimbles, Low Friction Rings & Terminals

What is a rope thimble for?

- Thimble and shackle must match -

Thimbles are primarily used when a rope end must be securely attached somewhere but must also be quickly released if necessary. This is the case, for example, with a mooring line or an anchor line. A rope thimble, i.e. a spliced eye with thimble, lasts much longer and more reliably than a knot, because a professional splice has virtually no effect on the breaking load of a rope. The size of a thimble depends on the line diameter and the shackle size to be put through it.

Thimbles are extremely versatile. Use them to replace blocks or quickly attach to toe rails, to deflect control lines, furling lines, inhauler, outhauler, sheets, or backstay cascades, strops and fairleads. Combine with some Dyneema cord and the options on board are virtually limitless. Low friction rings are used instead of heart-shaped thimbles where line should pass through as smoothly as possible.

If you want to fit a strong Dyneema line with a thimble designed to support heavy loads, a reinforced thimble must be spliced. These consist of a welded construction that can withstand strong forces without crushing under high loads. In general, it's better to use stainless steel thimbles rather than plastic or aluminum thimbles. Thimbles made of plastic or aluminium are less resistant and should only be used if they are not subjected to high loads.

What are rigging terminals used for on board?

-  Terminals: an integral part of the rigging -

They are part of the standing rigging and hold shrouds and stays firmly in place. Fitted with a pelican hook or fork, terminals are also popular to tension guardrails, for example. These strong fittings consist of a long metal sleeve with a fork, an eye or a hook (T-terminal). With roll swages the sleeve is pressed onto a wire under high pressure and can only be attached once or detached by cutting the wire. With a threaded terminal, a metal cone in a screw sleeve is pushed into the strands of the wire, the end piece inserted and secured with a lock nut. Threaded terminals can be removed and used again. A rope terminal, on the other hand, is attached to the end of the rope with a splice and can be fixed to the mast with the help of a back plate. With a T-terminal, make sure that it matches the load-bearing capacity of the mast. Ideally, you should use the same brand as before when making a change.

Related categories: Halyards, sails and accessories

You can find other relevant products in our Rigging and Sails and Accessories sections. In the Splicing Equipment and Tools section you will also find further items and useful information.