Enclosed Thimbles

[Ted Reshetiloff]

Had no luck searching so I will ask here. I am trying to locate an enclosed thimble for my anchor rode. I have 3/4" nylon 12 strand going to about 20' of 3/8 chain. The existing thimble was a nylon one of poor quality and did not hold up well. I want to replace the thimble and wish to use an enclosed thimble of either stainless or galvanized steel. I believe an enclosed thimble will prevent the line from slipping the thimble out but do not see them available in the more common chandleries. Is this something you make your self by welding tabs over an open thimble?

[Brion Toss]

Hi there,
We call them "keeper thimbles", and can get them for you, assuming that you come up dry at commercial fishing outlets. A splice, properly done, is better still.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[Ted Reshetiloff]

My plan was to redo the eye splice in the 12 strand but also to install a thimble that could not come out. I have not seen these in any stores. I have seen enclosed thimbles for sailmakers use but they dont seem to come any bigger than about 1/4". I thought of taking a stainless 3/4" thimble and cutting some 3/4" id stainless tubing to weld straps onto the thimble to make it enclosed but was hoping to be able to buy one. Thoughts?

[SV Papillon]

A loose splice on a enclosed thimble is likely to chaff on the eye. A tight splice over a welded thimble that is served or whipped will hold the line on the thimble and protect the line from chaff.

Jake

[Ted Reshetiloff]

Can elaborate on the "welded thimble"? I was planning on making the splice a tight as I can get it. Again I was really hoping to be able to buy a stainless or galvanized 3/4" thimble that was enclosed so it could not pop out.

[Bob Pingel]

It sounds like Brion's shop can help you with a keeper thimble -- a metallic version of the nylon ones that are commonly available. I'd give them a call at 360 385 1080. I am sure you find the experience enjoyable and the price fair.

As you said, you want the splice as tight as possible, and service at the throat can help tighten things further.

With that said, Brion and many others have a preference to splice the rope directly to the chain. They have found the chafe to be lower, security to be higher, and the splice runs over windlasses and bow rollers far easier. Brion has covered this well in The Rigger's Apprentice -- though in three-strand -- I am sure Brion or others would be willing to consult on how to perform this splice in 12-strand.

Bob Pingel