Rope splicing

Stages in splicing the end of a rope, from Scientific American, 1871

Rope splicing in ropework is the forming of a semi-permanent joint between two ropes or two parts of the same rope by partly untwisting and then interweaving their strands. Splices can be used to form a stopper at the end of a line, to form a loop or an eye in a rope, or for joining two ropes together.[1] Splices are preferred to knotted rope, since while a knot typically reduces the strength by 20–40%,[2] a splice is capable of attaining a rope's full strength.[3] However, splicing usually results in a thickening of the line and, if subsequently removed, leaves a distortion of the rope. Most types of splices are used on 3-strand rope, but some can be done on 12-strand or greater single-braided rope, as well as most double braids.

Types of splices

Examples of splices in different stages of completion, from the Nordisk familjebok: a) long splice b) tapered short splice c) eye splice d) short splice
An unfinished cut splice
A line eye-spliced to a snap shackle.
A short splice, with ends whipped

Splices are often tapered to make the thicker splice blend into the rest of the line. There are two main types of tapering, the standard and the "West Coast Taper".

Splicing tools

A fid is a hand tool made from wood, plastic, or bone and is used in the process of working with rope. A variety of fid diameters are available depending on the size of rope being used. Styles of fid designs include:[10]

A Marlinspike is a tool, usually made of steel and often part of a sailor's pocketknife, which is used to separate strands of rope from one another. They can range in size anywhere from 3 inches to 5 feet long, with a round or flattened point.[11]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to splices.

References

  1. Beech, Frank (2005). Splicing Bell Ropes Illustrated (first ed.). Central Council of Church Bell Ringers. pp. 1–32. ISBN 0-900271-82-5.
  2. Neil Montgomery, Single Rope Techniques (Natl Speleological Society, June 1982), p. 1.
  3. Merry, Barbara (2001). The Splicing Handbook (second ed.). International Marine. p. 1. ISBN 0-07-135438-7.
  4. Merry, Barbara (2001). The Splicing Handbook (second ed.). International Marine. p. 31. ISBN 0-07-135438-7.
  5. William Falconer, Universal Dictionary of the Marine (London: Thomas Cadell, 1780), 1243.
  6. Merry, Barbara (2001). The Splicing Handbook (second ed.). International Marine. p. 27. ISBN 0-07-135438-7.
  7. Toss, Brion (1998). The Complete Rigger's Apprentice. International Marine. p. 89. ISBN 0-07-064840-9.
  8. Toss, Brion (1998). The Complete Rigger's Apprentice. International Marine. p. 94. ISBN 0-07-064840-9.
  9. Merry, Barbara (2001). The Splicing Handbook (second ed.). International Marine. p. 29. ISBN 0-07-135438-7.
  10. Merry, Barbara (2001). The Splicing Handbook (second ed.). International Marine. pp. 12–13. ISBN 0-07-135438-7.
  11. Merry, Barbara (2001). The Splicing Handbook (second ed.). International Marine. p. 13. ISBN 0-07-135438-7.

External links

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Thursday, March 17, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.