A rother nail is a specialized, heavy-duty fastener featuring an oversized, domed head. Historically used by shipwrights, these nails were driven through the heavy iron pintles and gudgeons (the hinges) to secure them firmly to the wooden rudder and sternpost. The massive head prevents the ironwork from pulling loose under the immense lateral strain of steering a heavy vessel through rough seas.
Heard on the job
Drive a heavy rother nail through the upper pintle strap before it shifts out of alignment.