marlingspikes

Updated: May 15, 2025

And this, perhaps, in a greater or less degree, is pretty much the case with all things else; for you know nothing till you know all; which is the reason we never know anything. A sailor, also, in working at the rigging, uses special tools peculiar to his calling fids, serving-mallets, toggles, prickers, marlingspikes, palms, heavers, and many more.

Herman Melville - Redburn. His First Voyage