Sailmaker's palm for SWMBO

[ITH]

She is a dab hand with sail repairs, but has difficulty with the standard palms; finding them too large and not sufficiently adjustable to fit her hand properly.

We've looked at most chandlers' offerings/googled etc., but can't find any lady-sized palms. Anyone come across a female version - or know a company which will make them to fit?

 

[PetiteFleur]

She is a dab hand with sail repairs, but has difficulty with the standard palms; finding them too large and not sufficiently adjustable to fit her hand properly.

We've looked at most chandlers' offerings/googled etc., but can't find any lady-sized palms. Anyone come across a female version - or know a company which will make them to fit?

Have you thought about modifying one to suit? I did this with mine as the 'standard' one was too large. From memory(it's on the boat) I cut off the rivet and sewn it up again. Fits snugly now. I spotted a site a few days ago that did list about 6 palms, both LH & RH with various sizes but B******* if I can find it again as it wasn't what I was looking for.

 

[stephenh]

Also you could dress the leather with 'Neatsfoot oil' - get it from a saddlers or any 'horsey' shop.
This will make it softer and easier to fit the hand.

 

[KenMcCulloch]

There's a very good selection at
http://marinestore.co.uk/davey-roping-tools.html
- chepaer ones have adjustable buckles, more expensive can be cut and stitched to suit the user's hand size.

 

[ITH]

There's a very good selection at
http://marinestore.co.uk/davey-roping-tools.html
- chepaer ones have adjustable buckles, more expensive can be cut and stitched to suit the user's hand size.

Thanks for that Ken; I guess that's also the site that M33 was referring to. Certainly more choice than I've seen elsewhere, so we'll get over to the Essex store and try them on

 

[PetiteFleur]

Thanks for that Ken; I guess that's also the site that M33 was referring to. Certainly more choice than I've seen elsewhere, so we'll get over to the Essex store and try them on

Yes - thats the site! But give them a call first to see if they have them all in stock. Also what's the difference between 'Roping' and 'Seaming' palms? And there is a big difference in price for the various types.

 

[wilkinsonsails]

sailmakers palms

Most decent palms are easily re-shaped.The black ones are the best, these you can soak overnight and reform them whilst soft,then leave to dry again for 24 hrs.Palms normally come in small med and large,roping palms have a thumb guard which if you are just resewing original stitching you wont need,if you are re roping a sail,its useful to tension the thread around the guard,but unless you are experienced if often means you throttle you thumb.
For a varied proffessional selection try Bainbridge marine web site.