Grappling Hook

A multi-pronged iron hook attached to a line, thrown to snag and pull an enemy vessel alongside so it could be boarded, an essential tool for pirates whose primary tactic was closing with and boarding a target rather than sinking it with gunfire. Once hooked, the grapnel line was hauled taut to lash the two ships together for the boarding assault. It was as central to pirate tactics as any bladed weapon.