thumb|right|A pelican hook being closed. {{Short description|Nautical rigging device}} A '''pelican hook''' is a piece of nautical rigging hardware
It is composed of a hinged link held closed by a circumferential link capable of being released under load. Small examples are held closed by hand while the retaining link is displaced while larger examples are hit with a hammer or sledge hammer<ref>{{citation|title=Buoy Tender Duty In The South Pacific, 1943-1946|url=http://www.uscg.mil/history/weboralhistory/bailey_southpacific.asp|publisher=US Coast Guard}}</ref><ref>{{citation|url=http://www.msc.navy.mil/civmar/newsletter/news.asp?show=1352307609&edition=112012/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140110103439/http://www.msc.navy.mil/civmar/newsletter/news.asp?show=1352307609&edition=112012/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 10, 2014|title=USNS Salvor MILDET OIC releases old shipmate, ex-USS Coronado, for SINKEX}}</ref> to release.
The asymmetric appearance of the two hinged pieces is similar in appearance to a pelican's beak. It is frequently used to secure ships' anchors and life raft canisters but has many other applications.{{Citation needed|date=March 2014}}
== References == {{reflist}}
==External links== *{{cite web | url=https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/s/shiploading-picture-dictionary.html | title = Shiploading: A Picture-Dictionary of Shiploading Terms | publisher=The Navy Department Library | accessdate=25 November 2016}} ''Includes illustration of Pelican hook, under "Hooks".''
{{Sail Types}}
Category:Sailing rigs and rigging
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