The product produced by this item elicits much interest because, frankly, few people think about where rope comes from, how it was made or, for that matter, that almost every working farm or community had one of these things. Rural living meant that one had to have on-hand repair items that allowed for work to be completed. Rope was an important and versatile tool around the farm.
The cast-iron rope maker enjoyed success from 1880 onwards under names such as Wonder, New Era, Ideal, Nuway and the one shown here, the Hawkeye. Earlier primitive versions of the same tool were often built of wood and used rods to provide the power to the hooks. All models have been found in three-, four- and five-hook versions. Rope making is deceptively simple after one learns the rules. Using various materials, rope in some form has been made for more than 5,000 years. It requires the twisting of strands together to form a continuous cable. After it has been twisted, the cable becomes extremely versatile. CLICK HERE
