Brass thimbles historically had a wide variety of uses on sailing boats including in traditional rope stropped blocks or to make cringles, a traditional form of attachment point on sails. As their use declined, large wholesalers have stopped carrying them, and sourcing them has become increasingly difficult. Initially with blocks in mind, I decided to figure out how to make my own. Along the way I realized selling these in a variety of sizes suited to use on small boats could be a way I could serve the small boat community and those interested in marlinspike seamanship.

These are sized by their outside diameter and the diameter of their score( the grove that line fits into around their circumference).

The ‘5/8”, 1/4” score’, and ‘1”, 3/8” score’ sizes are very close to sizes traditionally found. For most folks, these will be their go-to sizes for small boat needs.

The 1/2”, 3/16” score size maintains the traditional proportions, but to my knowledge is smaller than sizes commonly available in the past. These are cute little fellas. Making a small wooden block for 1/4” line using something like a Harken 22mm micro sheave and 4mm hempex for the strop? This is your ticket.

The other sizes I am making have proportionally larger inside diameters than were commonly available for the size of their score. That increased diameter may be useful if you want more space for lashings that go through the the opening. Given the high strength of modern synthetic rope like Hempex, some of these larger sizes will allow the use of a smaller line to go around the thimble, while maintaining a larger opening size. I’d love to see some folks interested in traditional knotwork got their hands on them.

I form these one at a time using custom made jigs.

If you are unsure which size will meet your needs, contact me. I’m happy to help.

Made of solid brass, these will tarnish over time.