Rigging, Threading Deadeyes

[AndyXO]

Are there any small tools out there that can help in threading small deadeyes? I have been waxing the thread and patiently trying to thread the holes in the deadeyes, but i am wondering if there is a tool that might help in this tasdk.

[VTHokiEE]

For threading blocks and deadeyes I put a little bit of CA glue of the end of the rope to harden it and create a needle to pass through the holes. Generally the holes shouldn't be significantly bigger than your rope which means that a tool won't really work well if everything is close to the proper scale.

[DanielD]

The method that VTHokiEE works well, but I have also had good success with a needle threader. Available at most sewing machine and fabric stores for just a few cents.

 

The idea being, push the threader through the hole of interest and create a larger guide on the opposite side of the hole to thread the line (rope) through. Then gently pull the line through the deadeye and repeat.

 

Edited December 10, 2020 by DanielD

[allanyed]

I prefer hardening the end of the line and then cutting it to a point with a scalpel whenever possible, but sometimes the needle threader is the easier way to go in tight areas or other items such as blocks or sheaves.  The only problem with the needle threader is that you are pulling a folded-over piece of line, thus double the diameter through a hole meant for one diameter if it is sized correctly.  The line will compress somewhat but threaders are not always the strongest.  I pinch down the plate to be sure the wire is tight then add a dab of CA so it is less likely to pull apart.   If the line comes through the  deadeye hole very easily with the threader, the hole was too big or the rope too small 😄  

Allan

[SardonicMeow]

For the deadeyes on my Sultana, I used the very thin beading needles pictured below.  These are by far the thinnest needles I have found.  However, even though the needles are flexible, I could not use a full needle because the deadeyes are mounted so close to the hull.  I get around this, I cut a needle short and bent it into a curve.  The bent needle, much abused but still in one piece after threading 16 pairs of deadeyes, is also visible in the picture.

[CarolinaCommodore]

Thank you for asking this question.  I have been pondering this myself as I am about to go into rigging mode. 

[GrandpaPhil]

I use the thread needle method (CA on the end) and then cut it at an angle.  It works well for me for all rigging fittings.  

Plus, if you have a difficult to thread area, you can also mold a curve into the thread needle to be able to grab it with tweezers on the other side of whatever you are feeding it through.