|
|
Irish
Coast Guard Historic |
|
|
Setting the Scene |
THE TRIANGLE. The Triangle is the name given to what we now know as a tripod. It was used to raise the level of the snatch block which the jackstay ran through; it is still referred to as “The Triangle”. The original triangle was made up of three lengths of timber 12ft x 3inch x 3inch (3.60mts x 75mm x 75mm) and lashed together at the top with a Figure of eight lashing. Hooked over the centre piece was the snatch block (pulley block with a gate) on a grommet (circle of rope). In about 1880 this was replaced by a solid steel triangle the same length as the original. It had universal joints on the top and a swivelled bow fitting on which the snatch block was suspended. The hook on the snatch block was “Moused” to prevent it from coming off the grommet or the bow fitting, “Mousing” is when a light line is coiled around the shank of the hook to the tip of the hook. The centre leg was painted White up to 4 ft (1.37mts) from the ground, this was to ensure the correct erection of the triangle which was laid out on the ground with the centre leg lined up with the ship. The triangle was then raised and the legs splayed at the correct angle, the snatch block would have been hooked on and moused before raising the steel triangle; the reverse procedure was followed when using the timber triangle. |