Worming

"Worming" the line is designed to fill in the channels between the strands in order to keep water out and to allow tighter wrapping of the next layers by giving the rope a more cylindrical shape. Three lengths of "small stuff" or string are led along the lay of the rope between the strands, following the twist so that they spiral round the main line.

[edit] Parcelling

The line is then "parcelled" by wrapping it in a spiral fashion with long overlapping strips of thin canvas. This is wound in the same direction as the worming - the rule is "worm and parcel with the lay; turn and serve the other way".

[edit] Serving

The outer layer of protection is formed of twine wrapped as tightly as possible around the line, covering it completely. Following the rhyme above, it should of course run against the lay of the rope; this alternation helps prevent sideways chafe from opening up the protection. A serving mallet can be used to help get the outer twine as tight as possible - despite the name (arising from its shape) the serving mallet is not used to hit anything; it forms a kind of guide and tensioning lever for applying the twine to the rope.

[edit] Tar

An optional final stage for the permanent protection of rope is to paint the outer layer of twine with a mixture of tar, varnish and black paint. This needs renewing periodically, and going aloft to paint footropes and stays is one of the regular maintenance tasks on many tall ships.

An alternative opinion from someone who does the job: The tar, or "slush" is a mixture of Stockholm tar, boiled linseed oil, and Japan drier. The term "slush" is also used to describe the grease applied to the masts to lubricate the parrels so that the yards can raise and lower freely.

To worm, parcel, and serve rigging is an age old technique that was used to protect hemp and in later years, wire rigging from the elements of the harsh marine environment and to help protect against the sailors unrelenting enemy called chafe."Worming"  is made from small diameter cordage, line or you can strand a piece of old rope and use the resulting yarns.  It is used to fill in the channels between the strands in order to keep water out and to allow tighter wrapping of the service by giving the rope a more cylindrical shape. On 3 strand line, you would use 3  lengths of "small stuff" that are led along the lay of the rope between the strands, following the twist so that they spiral

round the main line like a helix.  I do not worm wire or cordage that is less than 1/2" in diameter.  On larger wire, worming is necessary to allow the service to go on more smoothly by eliminating the lumpiness formed by the strands.  This "lumpiness" is the finished product will appear as ribbing along the length of the service and is a perfect place for chafe to strike the proud bumps.

"Parceling" is traditionally made from tarred canvas, burlap, or linen strips that are wound tightly around the tarred wire or rope and then smeared with pine tar again.  Modern cloth friction tape can also be used - just make sure it is not vinyl or rubber style "Electrical tape" which eventually breaks down into a mild acid from the sulphur compounds in the tape.  The parcelling is applied by wrapping it in a spiral fashion with long overlapping turns beginning at the lower end of the piece of rigging relative to its rigged position.  On a shroud, begin at the lower or "deck" end of the sire and parcel up to the masthead.  This forms a series of overlapping shingles - just like on a roof.  Remember the parcelling is ALWAYS applied by winding it on the same direction as the worming, or "with the lay".   - the old riggers dittyis "worm and parcel with the lay; turn and serve the other way".

"Serving" is applied on top of the parceling.  Tarred marlin or synthetic seine twine is wound around and around using a serving mallet, serving board, or even marlingspike for the length of the wire, leaving no gaps between the turns. Marlin applied in this way is known as "service" and the process of applying it is called "serving."  The service should begin where the parcelling ended and be applied toward the parcelling starting point.  The service is applied against the lay of the wire or rope and if it is incorrectly started  where the parcelling began instead of where it ended, a bubble will form ahead of the service.  This bubble is from the overlapping turns of the parcelling being loosen.  If the service begins where the parcelling ended, the parcelling overlapping turns will be tightened and the service will lay on much tighter

A final coat of tar is app