Page 49 - Barbara Merry - The Splicing Handbook

FOUR
Double-Braid Rope

Double-braid is the most common and widely used configuration of ropes made

from polyester, aramid, and polyethylene (Spectra). Double-braid rope is
composed of a braided core inside a braided coat, or outer covering. Sometimes
various materials are blended to optimize such qualities as strength, weight,
stretch, and cost. For example, rope with a Spectra-aramid core and polyester
coat is as strong as 7 × 19 wire of half the diameter, stretches about the same,
and weighs less. But no matter the materials used, both core and coat contribute
to the strength of the rope. It is important, therefore, that when your splice is
finished, the coat covers the core smoothly and evenly, as it did when
manufactured. To accomplish this, be sure to tie a Slip Knot, as directed for each
splice, to keep the core from sliding up inside the cover while you work.
The weak spot on spliced rope lies on the standing side of the splice, where

the rope is first disturbed. Tapered ends are usually buried there, so follow the
tapering directions carefully.

EYE SPLICE
Follow these steps to put an eye or a thimble at the end of double-braid

rope.

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Double-braid rope
Tubular fid
Vinyl tape
Scissors or sharp knife
Marking pen
Waxed whipping twine
Needle
Thimble (optional)