Braided splices

[extravert]

Many years ago, over Christmas, my dad taught me how to splice traditional 3 core ropes. Time for me to repay the gesture. I'd like to be able to splice eyes in braided rope so I can show him, but know nothing about it. So, for rope experts, here are some questions...

Is it possible for amateurs who just want to have a go to do a reasonable job?
What sort of tools are required and is it possible to get away whithout any?
Any books or websites? (There are plenty for 3-core splices, not found any for braided)
Are all cored ropes the same as far as splicing goes? I expect knot. (sorry!)
Are there any other splices done in braided ropes other than eyes?

 

[ccscott49]

It's not difficult, if you go to the boatshow, theres always a few guys doing it and will show you, plus give you a brochure to help, you will need a splicing hook, a swedish fid, a heat gun is a good idea aswell. It's not splicing as such, just feeding one core inside the other basically, but I repeat not rocket science.

 

[david_e]

Re: heat guns

Are there any on the market that would suffice for occassional use? ie light, small, cheap? where would one get them? (not going to show!)

 

[lyc]

Try
http://www.neropes.com/splice/default.htm

 

[PaulJ]

As Colin says, it is not Rocket science.... just imagine a snake eating it's own intestines and then disappearing up it's own backside....well something like that! It is much too complicated to explain here, I have a very good little book called "The Splicing Handbook" by Barbara Merry which explains it with the help of some excellent clear diagrams. I think it is still available.... ISBN 0 7136 5900 9

 

[ccscott49]

Re: heat guns

I bought mine fro Lidl, the supermarket people, they were on offer, its actually a soldering gun/hot knife, they are fine, look around in some of the cheapy tool places, you may find one cheap. I also have a gas powered soldering iron/hot knife/blow torch, thingy, very small, for use up the mast etc. they are very handy and are good hot knives.

 

[vyv_cox]

Hot knives

I have an old electric soldering iron-type thing, it's a transformer on a handle with a replaceable length of copper wire as the secondary winding. It's excellent for finishing off splices in all man-made fibres, when the boat is connected to mains power. When not, I use an old palette knife heated on the gas stove.

 

[vyv_cox]

I think the ones you want can be found on Jimmy Green's site. Anchorplait is at <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.jimmygreen.co.uk/chandlery/anchorplait_splices.htm>http://www.jimmygreen.co.uk/chandlery/anchorplait_splices.htm</A> I think the eye splice in Anchorplait is one of the most attractive and satisfying to make. It's quite easy once you get the idea, just need a fid and a hot knife or similar (see my other post) to finish it.

Braided ones are relatively easy and less satisfying, IMHO. Also the length and diameter prvent them from passing through sheaves. Nowadays I always seize mine instead.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Re: heat guns

Your gas powered soldering iron/hot knife dubriewotsit is also available at Maplins for not an awful lot.

 

[ccscott49]

Re: Hot knives

Thats the one heavy thingy with two wires stickin' oot! Bloody good little tool!

 

[duncan]

agree that anchorplait / 8 plait is fun - I have found the 'secret' to be keeping the individual strands evenly twisted throughought to get a pleasing finish though.
Can also be used to join 2 lengths of the stuff - I joined the old 50mtrs on to the new 100 just in case - but it does come up a little fat and needs care through the windlass. Probably should have thinned the individual strands a bit within the splice but prefered the strength of not doing it!