Rope Splicing

There are a number of different ways of Rope Splicing. In this particular post I will be demonstrating how to put and Eye Splice into a three strand rope. However if you are looking for alternative then click on Rope Splicing to see other forms of splicing.

Eye Splice 3 Strand Rope

The strongest way of putting a loop into the end of a rope is to put in an eye splice. If you take a look at the Strength of Knot Chart you will see just how high the Eye Splice ranks in terms of strength. Providing that you want to put a permanent eye in the end of the rope, then eye splice is perfect for this job.

How to Eye Splice a Rope

Putting in eye splice into a rope is not too difficult. The hardest part is ensuring that the three strands are correctly aligned against the adjacent part of the rope. I personally start with the middle strand and tuck that under the top strand of the adjacent part of rope. I then struck the left-hand strand, turn the work over and took the right hand strand. Once all three strands have been tucked, I then rotate the rope to ensure that all three strands are exciting the rope at equal points.

How Many Tucks when Splicing a Rope

When you want to splice a rope, one thing to consider is how many tucks do you require? If you are splicing using natural fibre rope, then the recommended amount of tucks is a minimum of 3. When splicing with synthetic rope, then the minimum amount of tucks should be 5. The problem with synthetic rope is that it can be rather slippery, so the extra tucks are needed to to ensure that the eye splice does not fail.

Another thing to consider is the actual loading on the eye splice. Once again the actual tucks should be increased again.

At first, you may consider the eye splice a little bit daunting, once you have completed your first one, you will find it a doddle.

How to Eye Splice a Rope Video

Eye Splicing a Rope

The Sailor’s Eye Splice

This is what Ashley’s Book of Knots says about the Sailor’s Eye Splice: “2725. The Sailor’s Eye Splice. Form the eye and spread the strands away from you fanwise, placing them against the rope where it is to be entered. Untwist the rope one half turn, open the top or center bight with a small fid, and stick the center strand under the center bight from right to left, then stick the left strand under the next bight to the left in the same direction and lastly stick the right strand, from right to left, under the remaining bight. After this, tuck all strands once more, over one and under one. Trim the ends at a length equal to one diameter of the rope. “

Swedish Fid for Splicing

Often when splicing a rope, as Swedish fid is used to assist in the process. The Swedish Fid is passed under that strands of the main rope, the hollowed out section then allows the loose strand to be easily passed under the main strands:

Eye Splice Taper for Decorative Knot Work

If you are making an eye splice for decorative rope work, you may want to have a taper from the eye to the end of the splice. This is achieved by after each tuck, you then can cut away 50% (or more or less) of each strand before the next tuck.

What is an Eye Splice Use For?

If you want to put a permanent loop in the end of a rope, then the Eye Splice will do an excellent job. For decorative rope work it is often tapered; in other words some of the strands are removed after each tuck. (Remember, tapering can reduce the integrity of the Eye Splice!)

How Strong is an Eye Splice?

Of all the the methods of putting a loop in the end of a rope, the Eye Splice is probably the strongest way of adding a loop to the end of a rope. You may also be interested in the Knot Strength Chart on this site.

Additional information How to Splice a Rope