[Barquito]

OK, I need to make some eye splices on a few lines. I have done 3-strand splices, but never double braid. I found some instructions for 'core-dependent' rope, and another for 'non-core-dependent' rope. The line I am splicing was on the boat when I bought it. No idea what kind of materials it is. The core is braided, not straight. Which technique should I use?

http://www.baileysonline.com/PDF/ClassI_DblBrd_EyeSplice.pdf
http://www.samsonrope.com/Documents/Splice Instructions/DblBrd_C2_Eye Splice_AUG2012_WEB.pdf

 

[travlin-easy]

I discovered a quick and easy way of doing this.

Long Bury Splice | How to Splice a hollow braid Rope | Splicing Knots

This technique is very easy, the tool is easily constructed from a length of brazing wire or coat hanger, it's just as strong as the more complex method, yet you can make an eye splice in a matter of a few minutes.

Gary

 

[mitiempo]

Gary

He is describing double braid, not hollow braid.

Here's a link to splicing instructions for all different types of rope. Double braid is down the page a bit.
Splice Instructions

You may find it harder if the rope is used.

 

[SloopJonB]

You may find it impossible if the rope is used.

If you have never done it before, only use new rope. Used rope quickly gets too tight to splice but without any experience you may not know what is happening.

Fairly lightly used line can be softened up by washing it but if it has been stretched taut very many times it becomes nearly impossible to splice no matter what you do.

 

[Stumble]

Most riggers I know just won't work with used lines (hollow core excepted). If you can post pictures of the line it might be possible to tell you for sure what you have, but most likely you have sta-set. It's the general go to for small boats.

 

[sailordave]

There are lots of good videos (and some not so good) on You Tube that show how to do this. You can also use the New England ropes Splicing Guide to show you how. I splice Sta Set all the time.

A couple of hints. When you get to the part where you have the core out of the cover and you slide the cover up and then pull it back down (step 2 of the double braid splice), Don't try to get every last bit of slack out of it. That will make it harder to bury the core at the last step.

Second, when you get to step 4 where you insert the core into the body of the line... I have found that if you use a fid the same size of the line and work that into the line WITH OUT THE CORE ATTACHED it will "open up" the line a bit. Now, attach the core to the next size smaller fid and it will go through a LOT easier.
Oh, and DON'T use regular masking tape; it has too much friction. I tape my cores/covers w/ Scotch green FINELINE tape and it slides through a lot easier.

When you bury the splice (step 9) put on some heavy leather gloves to work the cover down over the splice. Make certain the knotted end is SECURELY fastened! You may find that the eye has some cover all bunched up even after the core is buried. Take a good stiff metal rod (I used some 3/8 steel, or a big screwdriver), insert it in the eye, hold both ends and SNAP the line with a HARD jerk. A couple of those will seat the cover and core and you end up w/ a nice looking splice. I find 3/8 to 1/2 inch splice easiest. 5/16 is doable, 1/4 just p!$$ed me off!
Have fun.

 

[weinie]

 

[capta]

I think that Sampson's online tutorial for splicing double braid is excellent, but the best I've found is in Royce's Sailing Illustrated. It is a fun little book with more real, helpful information in it than most, in a fun and interesting format.

 

[Barquito]

Thanks for the info everyone. I was hoping to get a bit more use out some pretty old rope. I think I will just keep using knots instead of eye splices on the old halyards, and will get new rope for the boom downhaul.

 

[Markwesti]

I have tried a couple of methods , I have settled on Selma fids .
http://www.duckworksbbs.com/tools/selma/index.htm click on the double braide vid for demo .
Also I bought them hear .
Duckworks Boat Builders Supply - Home

 

[Stumble]

I like Selma fids as well, but a splicing wand is probably my go to these days.

http://www.briontoss.com/catalog/splicinggear.html

 

[Capt Len]

Sloop J had it right. Used double braid is a tough one for a neophyte splicer.and hardly worth the effort. Consider the damage caused by a failed splice .A lashed bowline may not be as photogenic but works well.

 

[Markwesti]

I like Selma fids as well, but a splicing wand is probably my go to these days.

Brion Toss Yacht Riggers, Sailboat Rigging::Splicing Gear

I thought about Brion's wands , but to get all the ones I needed it was getting to expensive and one time I ran across a tutorial and felt it was too complicated for me , like the Sampson fids after step 15 I'm loosin it . Stumble my hats off to you .
Actually with the Selma's I don't get it right every time . What happens is in the eye , I don't get core all the way through and up . only core about half way through the eye . Hmmm..... Maybe I should try Brion's wands .

 

[Stumble]

Mark,

I use the Selmas for hollow core like amsteel. And the wand for everything else. For very small hollow core (<1/8") I switch to wire, not a wire wand, just a piece of fishing leader.

 

[knuterikt]

Mark,

I use the Selmas for hollow core like amsteel. And the wand for everything else. For very small hollow core (<1/8") I switch to wire, not a wire wand, just a piece of fishing leader.

Same as I do Selmas and splicing wands.
The best book on splicing is "Working Rope Book 5 - Basic Braided Splices by Brion Toss" Brion Toss Yacht Riggers, Sailboat Rigging::Books

 

[Markwesti]

Thanks Knuterikt , I'm gonna get that book and a wand . I'm also going to get a ceramic knife .
Not getting rid of the Ka-Bar !

 

[Capt Len]

When spicing used 2Braid I use a lot of dish detergent to lub things along. A bunch of washing/rinsing to really clean it after. Fids can be simple coat hanger for small stuff jammed into masking tape on the two ends. Step by step and marking pen. I've done 3" hawsers so 3/8" is to practice on.

 

[Stumble]

Thanks Knuterikt , I'm gonna get that book and a wand . I'm also going to get a ceramic knife .
Not getting rid of the Ka-Bar !

I would highly recommend Riggers with Marlin Spike | Ceramic Knife.org

 

[PaulinVictoria]

I wouldn't use detergent on new line, they are often coated with stuff to help with abrasion resistance, a nicer feel in the hand, UV protection etc. Detergent will strip that off. Probably doesn't matter too much around a splice I guess.

 

[manatee]

.
.
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Outside-the-loop-thought:: Use seizings to put eyes, with or without thimbles, where you want them.
Leave a long tail, clap on 2 or 3 seizings, as you would for deadeyes and lanyards. If you don't trust your work, practice a bit more.
See Step 8, HERE.

Seized Eye

Deadeye Seizing