Page 217 - Des Pawson "Pocket Guide to Knots & Splices"

Long Splice

As the short splice makes the rope fat,

it may prevent it running through a
block or passing through an eye. The

solution is to make a long splice,
where the action is spread out in three

places, so reducing any increase of
diameter to a minimum. Some
versions of the splice leave the rope at

almost exactly the same diameter,
making the join almost invisible.

There are so many versions and
opinions as to how this can be
achieved, all of them with their own

merit, giving credence to the saying,
“different ships different long splices.”

The version shown here is a basic
version, good for general working. It

must be noted that whatever long
splice is made, it will not be as strong
as a short splice

1 Unlay plenty of rope on both strands and
'‘marry" the ends by interlacing the

strands so that they alternate, one from
each side of the splice.

2 Decide on a pair of strands, one from
each piece of rope. Gently unlay one
strand and carefully lay the other in its
place.

3 This should bring one pair of strands a
long way from the middle or marrying

point.

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