Page 208 - Des Pawson "Pocket Guide to Knots & Splices"

Back Splice and Tapering a Splice

The back splice forms a permanent finish to the end of a three-strand rope. It

makes for a good grip to the end of a piece of rope, but has the disadvantage
that the rope is increased in diameter, so may make it difficult to reeve through
eyebolts, blocks, and other small holes. The splice starts with a crown knot and

then all strands are tucked against the lay in an over one and under one
fashion. Treat all strands the same; make one tuck with each of the strands

before making the next round of tucks.
Any splice may be given a good, tapered finish. There is a quick taper, often

used by sailmakers where first one whole strand is dropped, and the other two
strands tucked in the normal way, and then another strand dropped and just
one strand is tucked in the normal way. This will give a finished splice with the

tails sticking out side by side down the rope rather than round the rope. The
splice may be improved by rolling underfoot when all the tucks are finished.

1 Having opened out the three strands neatly, make a crown knot (see page 54).
Arrange it so it is good and square on the end of your rope.

2 Take any one of the strands and following a path against the lay
(in other words, point the strand in an S direction) and go
over one strand and under the next strand.
Pocket Guide to Knots & Splices

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