A dogbone is basically a short structural rod that can be attached to the end of a line and used like a button or toggle to make a connection to another line, grommet or deck fitting. The tapered middle and symmetric ends make the part look like a bone, hence the name dogbone. The dogbone itself has been around since the days of the tall sailing ships and was originally made from a wooden peg. Over the years the device faded into obscurity but was recently revived due to better materials and a new appreciation of its versatility. The dogbone is a very convenient way for attaching the halyard line to the headboard as you can maximize sail height without the added length of a conventional shackle. It also works well for jib and spinsheets, outhauls, the connection of soft loops used for attaching blocks to deck fittings, and numerous other rigging applications. Unlike a knot, the dogbone connection does not jam up under tension and can be quickly attached or detached. The dogbone lives again! The Tylaska dogbones are available in seven different sizes, with each size available in either aluminum or 17-4PH stainless depending upon the strength requirements. The main feature of the Tylaska dogbone design is its unique patented tapered design with a grooved texture that grabs onto the line and prevents slippage. As the dogbone relies on friction to keep the connecting line from slipping off its ends, designs with straight shanks are not very secure and adding flanges to the shank creates snagging problems. Tapering the shank is better, but still does not grip the line. The new Tylaska design has both a taper and multiple surface humps that grip the line but do not cut or damage the fibers. This feature works extremely well and makes a big difference over competing designs.
