A frapping mallet is used to tighten lashings while they are being tied. Using hands alone, it's not typically possible to tighten a lashing enough for it to be secure, especially with larger poles. This post illustrates one way of using a frapping mallet, the method I am familiar with.
A frapping mallet uses a half-hitch to lock the rope so that it can be tightened. Begin by twisting the rope to form a loop, making sure that the running end of the rope is facing towards you.
Now insert the mallet into the loop- if the loop was made correctly, the running end will now end up at the bottom, closest to the head of the mallet. The end of the rope that runs into the lashing will be 'locking' the free end.
Slide your hand to the end of the mallet handle, and hold the running end in it so that it is pulled up against the half-hitch and locks. Rest the head of the mallet on the pole, and pull the handle of the mallet towards you, tightening the rope. This is repeated to tighten the rope. For a square lashing, you would typically do this for every turn around the poles, and every half-turn of the frapping turns.
7 comments:
try using a short small cylindrical piece of wood prefably 15cmx1cm, use the loose end of the rope and tie a marlinspike on it and pull.
it works for us, it's secure and we use that for competitions.
Thanks- I haven't heard of that method before but I'll give it a try. I suppose it might be difficult to tie and untie the marlinspike hitch without loosening the rope, but I'm sure with practice that becomes easier.
Another tool to use is a lashing stick (according to Wikipedia). I have also heard of using the mallet to actually hammer the frapping turns to tighten the rope- although I'm concerned that this damages the rope
The Northern District Scouts in Gauteng, South Africa have been using Frapping Mallets for as long as I can remember and I have been involved in Scouting for 32 years. The frapping mallet RULES. We build large projects , on average 20foot / 6 m hight. Some times they are up to 40 foot.
Where can I get (or how can I make) a frapping mallet? Not many references on the web?
I think the frapping mallet is a tool every scout should learn how to use effectively. I would even go so far as to say that it could even be made part of the poineering interest badge. Create a culture of actually using these tools properly.
I'm trying to find/buy an old school frapping mallet. Sorry on dredging an old thread but seems this is a dying tool.
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