Page 269 - Brion Toss - The Complete Rigger’s Apprentice

Figure 6-68A. Double-braided rope. The braided
cover contains a braided core.

Figure 6-68B. In 7 x 19 wire, standard for halyards, Figure 6-69A. To prepare the rope for a Tail Splice,
six strands are laid up around a wire core that is make a knot in its standing part, then pull the
the seventh strand. Each strand is composed of 19 cover back, exposing the core. Cut about 6 inches
“yarns.” of the core end, then tape the core about 10 inches
from the new end.

called the core and the outer one called the cover.
The core has fewer strands than the cover, but oth- Preparation
erwise the two are structurally the same (Figure Make a knot in the double-braid about 5 feet from
6-68A). its end; either a Farmer’s Loop (Figure 3-15) or
Wire halyard rope, usually stainless steel, is Alpine Butterfly (Figure 3-16) is perfect. Wrap the
formed of six strands laid up (twisted helically) end of the cover lightly with electrical or masking
around a wire core (Figure 6-68B). Each strand tape and cut off the whipped or fused end (Figure
comprises 19 yarns. In wire rope nomenclature, this 6-69A). Slide the cover back, exposing the core; the
construction is called 7 x 19. knot keeps this move from disturbing core-to-cover
For any Tail Splice, make the rope within ⁄8 evenness in the rest of the rope. Cut 1 foot off the
1
inch of being twice the diameter of the wire; a larger core and put a light wrapping of electrical tape on
difference results in distortion and a weaker splice. the core 10 inches from its end.

Figure 6-69B. To prepare the wire for a Tail Splice,
cut the strands at regular intervals to taper the end.
As an option, cut the core off near the beginning of
the taper (not shown). Cover the tapered section by
wrapping it firmly with electrical tape.

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