Retired from newspapers and television, currently sailing Thelonious II, a 1984 Ericson 381.
It seems to be agreed that the best guide to splicing double braid line is Andy Wall, whose video is here:
Video is a big improvement over written instructions or memory. The line and tools can be laid out in front of a screen for an effortless splicing experience.
Effortless, that is, if you're Andy Wall or splicing stretchy Nylon line. Not so effortless if you're me, and the running rigging is stubborn polyester.
So let me add to Wall's tutorial some comments for mortals who like the idea of doing their own work, and make up for in enthusiasm what they lack in experience. I just finished five splices of new New England Ropes VPC double braid in 3/8th and 7/16th sizes. By next year I'll have forgotten the reality, and can read this to remind myself.
First, hooked fids are a disaster for amateurs. Yes, they are sold in the popular splicing kit by New England Ropes --the sponsors of the Wall video. But Wall uses hollow fids. Hooked fids snag line, and are apparently designed to be taped. But the sharp hook tends to snag. With hooked fids, the technique is to pull the core and cover through each other. Hollow fids use a pusher stick to push through. Pushing through is easier for most of us.
Andy Wall presents a flawless professional sequence. But most of us will hit the following snags:
--Don't practice on used rope. It's harder to splice.
--Wash hands. There is a lot of milking of brand-new line, and if you just changed the engine oil the new line will be permanently stained.
--Start with a line whose length isn't critical, in case you have to start over. The first splice may well be ruined.
--Hollow fids must be the correct size for the rope. That is, a separate fid for each size of line. They can be purchased separately, but also require a pusher stick. A long thin screwdriver will work, but most aren't long enough for more than a small eye splice. Too short a pusher will mean starting over.
--The simple operations of pulling the core and tapering and taping the ends benefit from careful attention. Subsequent problems trace back to them. Let nothing fray.
--Use masking tape as Wall does, not plastic tape. It just works better.
--Most household scissors will not taper polyester like Wall's scissors do. Even my expensive fabric shears couldn't do it. But scissors are required. New ones are sharp.
--The hard part of the double-braid splice is pushing the core through the cover. Wall's fid slides through the nylon as on ice. Polyester is a bit more struggle. I tried Sail-Kote as a lubricant. Not much help. This moment in the splice is literally the sticking point. Perseverance is the key.
--The snap-tight conclusion of the video reveals a marvelous pro technique. It may not go as smoothly as shown. Milking continually is the key, and time. More time, perhaps, than expected.
How to judge a completed splice?
It looks neat and the line doesn't appear to have been dragged through Afghanistan behind a Humvee.
All eye splices match in size.
Lines remain the intended length.
Splicing double braid is fun and part of the useful skills bag. Hire somebody? Defender Industries charges $18 per eye splice, $20 for 1/2 inch and larger.
Andy Wall* can make a splice in five minutes. Do one in half an hour and you beat me.
*Andy Wall died in 2008. That didn't stop him from having new generations of students.
Video is a big improvement over written instructions or memory. The line and tools can be laid out in front of a screen for an effortless splicing experience.
Effortless, that is, if you're Andy Wall or splicing stretchy Nylon line. Not so effortless if you're me, and the running rigging is stubborn polyester.
So let me add to Wall's tutorial some comments for mortals who like the idea of doing their own work, and make up for in enthusiasm what they lack in experience. I just finished five splices of new New England Ropes VPC double braid in 3/8th and 7/16th sizes. By next year I'll have forgotten the reality, and can read this to remind myself.
First, hooked fids are a disaster for amateurs. Yes, they are sold in the popular splicing kit by New England Ropes --the sponsors of the Wall video. But Wall uses hollow fids. Hooked fids snag line, and are apparently designed to be taped. But the sharp hook tends to snag. With hooked fids, the technique is to pull the core and cover through each other. Hollow fids use a pusher stick to push through. Pushing through is easier for most of us.
Andy Wall presents a flawless professional sequence. But most of us will hit the following snags:
--Don't practice on used rope. It's harder to splice.
--Wash hands. There is a lot of milking of brand-new line, and if you just changed the engine oil the new line will be permanently stained.
--Start with a line whose length isn't critical, in case you have to start over. The first splice may well be ruined.
--Hollow fids must be the correct size for the rope. That is, a separate fid for each size of line. They can be purchased separately, but also require a pusher stick. A long thin screwdriver will work, but most aren't long enough for more than a small eye splice. Too short a pusher will mean starting over.
--The simple operations of pulling the core and tapering and taping the ends benefit from careful attention. Subsequent problems trace back to them. Let nothing fray.
--Use masking tape as Wall does, not plastic tape. It just works better.
--Most household scissors will not taper polyester like Wall's scissors do. Even my expensive fabric shears couldn't do it. But scissors are required. New ones are sharp.
--The hard part of the double-braid splice is pushing the core through the cover. Wall's fid slides through the nylon as on ice. Polyester is a bit more struggle. I tried Sail-Kote as a lubricant. Not much help. This moment in the splice is literally the sticking point. Perseverance is the key.
--The snap-tight conclusion of the video reveals a marvelous pro technique. It may not go as smoothly as shown. Milking continually is the key, and time. More time, perhaps, than expected.
How to judge a completed splice?
It looks neat and the line doesn't appear to have been dragged through Afghanistan behind a Humvee.
All eye splices match in size.
Lines remain the intended length.
Splicing double braid is fun and part of the useful skills bag. Hire somebody? Defender Industries charges $18 per eye splice, $20 for 1/2 inch and larger.
Andy Wall* can make a splice in five minutes. Do one in half an hour and you beat me.
*Andy Wall died in 2008. That didn't stop him from having new generations of students.
