JIGGER

The jigger is particularly useful when the cable is either shippery with mud or ooze, or when it is stiff and unweidly; in both of which cases it is very difficult to stretch it back from the windlass by hand, which however is done with facility and expedition, by means of the jigger, as follows: the end of the rope, to which the sheave is fastened by a knot, is passed round the cable close to the windlass, and the hind part of the rope, coming over the sheave, is stretched aft by means of another rope passing through the jigger-block. As soon as the last rope is extended, the turn of the former about the cable is firmly retained in its position, by the compression of it's hind part under the sheave, acting upon what may be called the neck of the jigger. But as the cable continues to be heaved into the ship, it is evident that the jigger, which is fastened on a particular part thereof, stretching it back, will be removed further aft, by every turn of the windlass, and the effort of the jigger will be lessened in proportion to it's diliance from the windlass: this circumstance renders it necessary to fleet or replace it, in a proper state of action, as occasion requires. The man who performs this office accordingly calls out, fleet jigger! one of the men, at the windlass, instantly fixes his hand spec between the deck and the cable, So as to jam the latter to the windlass, and prevent it from running out till the jigger is refixed.

Reference Works