Splicing is a method of permanently joining the ends of two lines or of bending a line back on itself to form a permanent loop or an eye. If two lines are to be spliced, strands on an end of each line are unlaid and interwoven with those of the standing part of the line. Small stuff can be spliced without a fid, which is a tapering length of hard wood used in splicing larger lines. A knife is used to cut off the ends of the strands.
Short Splice - The short splice is as strong as the rope of which it is made. The short splice increases the diameter of the rope and can be used only where this increase in diameter will not affect operation. The splice is used to repair damaged ropes or where two ropes of the same size are to be joined together permanently. Damaged parts of the rope are cut out and the good sections are spliced. These are the steps
(1) Untwist one end of each line five complete turns. Whip or tape each strand. Bring these strands tightly together so that each strand of one line alternates with a strand of the other line. Put a temporary whipping or tape on the lines where they join to keep them from coming apart. Do this procedure with small lines until you can hold them together while you tuck. 2) Starting with either line, tuck a round of strands in the other line. Then, using the strands of the other line, tuck a round in the first line. Make sure to tuck in one direction, the reverse and tuck in the other direction. When making a round of tucks, regardless of the direction, face where the lines are butted so you will always tuck from right to left. Pull each strand as to tighten the center of the splice.
(3) Tuck two more rounds in each direction. After tucking in one direction and reversing and tucking in the other direction, pull the strands as required to strengthen the center of the splice. When finished with three rounds of tucks in each direction, cut off any excess length on the strands.
(3) Tuck two more rounds in each direction. After tucking in one direction and reversing and tucking in the other direction, pull the strands as required to strengthen the center of the splice. When finished with three rounds of tucks in each direction, cut off any excess length on the strands.
NOTE: To have a smoother splice, cut off one-third of the circumference of each strand before making the second round of tucks and another third before the third round.
(4) When the splice is completed, cut off the excess strands as before. Lay the splice on the deck and roll it with your foot or hands to smooth out and tighten the splice.
(4) When the splice is completed, cut off the excess strands as before. Lay the splice on the deck and roll it with your foot or hands to smooth out and tighten the splice.
