Where a rope is liable to be chafed, as in the eyes of the rigging, it is wormed , parcelled , and served . 2 will show how these operations are performed. Worming consists of laying spun-yarn between the strands, so as to fill up the spiral groove which every rope presents and obtain a smooth surface. Parcelling is wrapping narrow strips of tarred canvas over the worming, it is put on with the lay, that is,follows the direction of the strands. Serving a rope is the laying on of spun-yarn or other small stuff over the parcelling and worming.
Service is put on against the lay of the rope.
Before commencing to protect a rope in this way it should be stretched out as taut-as possible with tackle, and the worming, parcelling, and service should be laid on as tightly as possible. The service is hauled taut by a serving mallet. If the rope is a small one, it may be served without worming, as the grooves between the strands are not deep enough to cause great unevenness of surface. Splicing , by which the ends of ropes are neatly and permanently joined, is a necessary accomplishment of the yachtsman, and is easily acquired. Unlay the strands of both rope ends for a little way.