Page 104 - The Complete Rigger’s Apprentice

Figure 4-1. The Backsplice. Tie a Constrictor Knot or
other light seizing 8 to 10 inches from the end. Unlay
the rope to the seizing and crown the strands coun-
terclockwise (A). Now the Crown Knot: Each strand
goes over an end, then through a bight (B). Draw
up snug and remove seizing (C). Take any end and
pass it over the adjacent standing part strand, and
under the next one (D). In order to tuck a strand in
stiff rope, a good fid will make for the easiest and best
splice. In the absence of a tool, twist with the hands
as shown to raise a bight to pass the end under (E).
Do not twist so much that the rope hockles (twists into
loops). Tuck each strand in succession over one, under
one (F). Repeat the process to make three full tucks.
Trim ends one rope diameter away from the standing
part, or whip just above them and trim them flush.
Further note: it is very difficult to get an opti-
mal splice without a tool, as spaces made by twisting
the rope don't readily open in places for optimally-
angled tucks.

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