Oarlock vs. Thole — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 27, 2024
An oarlock is a U-shaped device that attaches to the side of a boat to secure an oar; a thole is a simple peg or pin used for the same purpose.
Difference Between Oarlock and Thole
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An oarlock is typically made of metal or durable plastic, designed to rotate and lock the oar in place for efficient rowing. On the other hand, a thole is usually a wooden or metal pin, providing a more traditional and simple method of securing an oar.
Oarlocks are part of a more complex rowing mechanism that includes a socket and a locking mechanism to ensure the oar remains in position while allowing some rotation. Whereas tholes are straightforward and consist of one or two pins around which the oar pivots without any locking features.
The use of oarlocks is common in modern rowboats and competitive rowing as they provide greater stability and control over the oar's movement. In contrast, tholes are often seen in traditional boats and in regions where simplicity and cost are preferred over technical performance.
Maintenance and replacement of oarlocks can be more involved and costly due to their mechanical nature and the materials used. However, tholes are generally easier and cheaper to replace or repair, given their basic design.
In terms of rowing technique, oarlocks allow for a smoother and more efficient stroke because they enable the oar to rotate and lock in place. On the other hand, tholes require the rower to manually manage the oar’s position, which can be less efficient but offers a more hands-on rowing experience.
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Comparison Chart
Material
Metal or plastic
Wood or metal
Mechanism
Rotating lock
Simple pin
Boat Type
Modern rowboats
Traditional boats
Cost
Higher
Lower
Rowing Efficiency
More efficient
Less efficient
Compare with Definitions
Oarlock
Common in competitive rowing.
All racing shells have oarlocks for better control.
Thole
A pin used to hold an oar in place on a boat.
He secured the oar to the thole and began to row.
Oarlock
A device for holding an oar in place on a boat.
The rower adjusted the oarlock before starting to row.
Thole
Found on traditional or simpler boats.
The rustic boat was equipped with two tholes per side.
Oarlock
Part of a rowing mechanism that allows rotation.
The oarlock’s ability to rotate makes rowing smoother.
Thole
Easier to replace or repair.
Replacing a broken thole was quick and inexpensive.
Oarlock
Requires more maintenance.
Regular maintenance of oarlocks is essential for optimal performance.
Thole
Often made of wood or simple metal.
The old wooden thole showed signs of wear but still functioned well.
Oarlock
Usually made of metal or heavy-duty plastic.
He replaced the broken plastic oarlock with a sturdier metal one.
Thole
Provides a basic pivot point for oars.
The oar pivots on the thole, requiring careful handling.
Oarlock
A device, usually a U-shaped or circular metal hoop on a swivel in the gunwale, used to hold an oar in place and as a fulcrum in rowing.
Thole
Thole is a surname.
Oarlock
(nautical) A usually U-shaped device attached to the gunwale of a rowboat to hold the oars in place while rowing.
Thole
A thole pin.
Oarlock
The notch, fork, or other device on the gunwale of a boat, in which the oar rests, and that holds the oar in place and acts as a fulcrum for rowing. Certain oarlocks are designed for use with oars having attached swivels, which insert into the oarlock and provide a firm pivot. Same as Rowlock{1}.
Thole
To suffer.
Oarlock
A holder attached to the gunwale of a boat that holds the oar in place and acts as a fulcrum for rowing
Thole
To endure, to put up with, to tolerate.
Thole
A pin in the side of a boat which acts as a fulcrum for the oars.
Thole
A pin, or handle, of the snath (shaft) of a scythe.
Thole
(architecture) A cupola, a dome, a rotunda; a tholus.
Thole
A wooden or metal pin, set in the gunwale of a boat, to serve as a fulcrum for the oar in rowing.
Thole
The pin, or handle, of a scythe snath.
Thole
To bear; to endure; to undergo.
So much woe as I have with you tholed.
To thole the winter's steely dribble.
Thole
To wait.
Thole
A holder attached to the gunwale of a boat that holds the oar in place and acts as a fulcrum for rowing
Common Curiosities
Why might one choose tholes over oarlocks?
Tholes are simpler, less expensive, and preferred for traditional rowing experiences.
What is a thole?
A thole is a pin or a pair of pins fitted to the gunwale of a rowboat to act as a fulcrum for an oar.
What is the main advantage of using an oarlock?
Oarlocks offer greater control and efficiency in rowing by allowing the oar to rotate and lock in place.
What is an oarlock?
An oarlock is a U-shaped device that allows an oar to be secured to a boat with the ability to rotate and lock.
How do oarlocks differ from tholes in material?
Oarlocks are generally made from more durable materials like metal or plastic, while tholes are traditionally wood or metal.
What boats commonly use oarlocks?
Modern rowboats and racing shells typically use oarlocks.
Can tholes be used in all types of boats?
Tholes are more commonly used in traditional and simpler boats.
Are oarlocks better for competitive rowing?
Yes, oarlocks provide more control and efficiency, making them better suited for competitive rowing.
How does the cost of maintaining tholes compare to oarlocks?
Tholes are cheaper and easier to maintain compared to oarlocks due to their simplicity.
Is rowing with tholes less efficient?
Yes, rowing with tholes can be less efficient as it lacks the rotational freedom that oarlocks provide.
Do oarlocks require special rowing techniques?
Yes, oarlocks require specific techniques to maximize the benefits of their rotational capabilities.
Which is easier to install, an oarlock or a thole?
Tholes are generally easier to install because they require less fitting compared to oarlocks.
Are tholes still commonly used today?
Yes, in certain traditional and cost-conscious settings, tholes are still in use.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
