Worm, Parcel, and Serve: A Sailor’s Chafe Protection

The age-old technique of worming, parceling, and serving was used to protect rigging—originally hemp, later wire—from harsh marine environments and its biggest enemy: chafe.

**Worming** involves filling the grooves between rope strands with small cordage or yarns from old rope. This makes the rope rounder, helps keep water out, and allows for smoother service. It’s usually done on larger lines (over ½”) to prevent lumpy areas that can wear out faster.

**Parceling** uses tarred strips of canvas or cloth, wrapped tightly around the rope in overlapping spirals with the lay (twist) of the line. This layer seals and adds protection. Avoid modern electrical tape—it can break down into damaging compounds.

**Serving** is the final protective layer, applied tightly over the parcelling using tarred marline or synthetic twine. It’s wound against the lay, starting where the parcelling ended. This prevents bubbles and ensures a tight, durable wrap.

A final coat of tar seals everything. With all that tar, it’s no wonder old sailors were nicknamed “Jack Tars.”