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Marlinspike (sometimes marlin spike, marlinespike, or the archaic marlingspike) is a tool used to unlay rope for splicing, or to untie knots. A marlinspike is basically a polished cone tapered to a rounded point, usually 6 to 12 inches long, although sometimes 26" or longer, depending on what ply and size of rope they are intended for. For splicing, the marlinspike is inserted into laid rope and levers open a strand to form a hole, thereby allowing larger items to be inserted into the lay.
Marlinspikes may be required to untie knots that tighten up under tension. A very tight knot becomes impossible to pick apart without the spike, which may be slipped between the various pieces of line. Sailors also use a marlinspike as a small lever.
The word marlinspike comes from "marling", or winding rope into a knot to prevent slippage. It also shares its name with the marlin, a large fish with a long spike on the end of its nose.
Marlinspikes are also used for the splicing of ropes in bell ringing.
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Trivia
In the English translation of the Tintin comics, Captain Haddock lived in a stately home called Marlinspike Hall.
"Marlinspike (ropework)"