3 strand nylon

[Boathook]

I've got some old rope, about 18mm diameter that is in good condition but gone slightly stiff as 3 strand nylon does. Is there any way that I can soften it up so that I can splice some eyes into it. I managed to do a few and they look a mess as it is very difficult to open the strands, etc even with a fid.

 

[Refueler]

Not much you can do once it gets like that ... you could warm it by sticking in a tumble dryer at lowish setting ... but really its stiff and that's it.

The trick about getting splices to lay neatly in a rope or wire - is to 'wind the strand' into the splice.

Best is to fix the rope between points so its not too taut ... then basically you put in the spike or fid about 3 turns UP from the position the strand should finish at. Put in the strand and then while pulling the strand and twisting to keep it 'laid' - you wind the spike or fid back round the rope till strand is in final position.
You do this for each strands tuck ... making sure you tuck in the correct lay !!

 

[Daydream believer]

Have you tried soaking it & rolling & twisting it whilst bashing it with a rubber hammer against a wooden block?

 

[Boathook]

Thanks Refueler and Daydream. 2 options I haven't heard off so will give both a go over the next few days even on the same splice!