THE CABLE SHIP ON REPAIRS. 



197 



hundred fathoms of 6 x 3 compound grapnel rope (six strands 

 of hemp yarn, with three steel wires in each) is generally 

 shaokled on between the chain and manilla to bear the chafing 

 against the bottom. This precaution is only necessary in very 

 uneven grounds. In ordinary work 6x3 rope can often be 

 used throughout the entire length, this having a breaking 

 strain of 18 tons. When taking long drives in deep water it is 

 usual to put matting, &c., round the rope where it rests on the 



Fig. 108. - Grapnel Eope Coupling. 



bow sheaves, to prevent chafing against the cheeks of the 

 sheaves. The ends of each length of grapnel rope have thimbles 

 and links, and in coupling two lengths of rope together a swivel 

 with a shackle at each end is used : the shackles being put 

 through the rope links as shown in Fig. 108. If, then, the 

 grapnel rolls over on the bottom while at work, it cannot twist 

 and cause kinks in the rope, as the swivels between each 

 length allow the rope turns to " circulate." 



Fig. 109.— Centipede Trailer. 



Special Grapnels. — When working in great depths the 

 strain on the deep-sea type of cable is frequently the cause of 

 its parting. To obviate this, grapnels have been devised which, 

 simultaneously with hooking the cable, will cut it and hold the 

 desired end. This, of course, entails grappling again, unless 

 near a total break, but it is a more certain way to go to work, 

 and time-saving in the long run. When grappling for one end 

 of a total break in deep water, if the cable is hooked too far 



