Page 434 - The Ashley Book of Knots
P. 434
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CHAPTER 34: LONG AND SHORT SPLICES
(MULTI-STRAND BENDS)
Splicing-is fastening two Ends of a Rope together, with uncommon
Slight-to execute which requires no ordintrry Skill; as I can venture
to say not one Seaman in twenty Cltll perform it. 2 ('2.2.
A NAVAL REPOSITORY, 1762
2621. This pictures the proper way to crotch or marry two three-
strand ropes preparatory to short splicing.
2622. The proper way to crotch or marry two four-strand ropes
is shown here.
2623. Small strands may be hove with round-jawed pliers.
2624. Larger strands are hove taut with a marlingspike and a
MARLINGSPIKE HITCH.
2625. Medium-size strands may be tightened with the point of
the marlingspike by imparting a strong twist.
There are three angles of approach to splices-the sailmaker's, the
rigger's and the sailor's.
Sailmaker's splices are put into the boltrope of sails, which is
three-strand. They are supported by being strongly sewed to the
sailcloth. The strands of a sailmaker's splice are always "backed"-that
is, each end is tucked around and around a single opposing strand,
forming a long helix, instead of being tucked over one strand and
under the next as in other splices. The ends are cut off on the un-
derside of the splice, a few yarns at each tuck, . and are covered
up at the next tuck.
The sailmaker works while sitting on a bench in the sail loft. He
opens his strands with a wooden fid. When his splice is complete he
pounds it with his fid and often spits on the handle and burnishes the
splice to make it lie fair for the stitching.
The final splice on a sail is always called the "CONFINE SPLICE,"
whatever its variety, since it is the splice that closes the end of the
boltrope around the sail.
Rigger's splices belong principally in standing rigging and its
appurtenances. Many of them are tied in shroud-laid rope, which is
four-strand and has a core. But block straps, pendants, slings, lifts,
etc., are three-strand.
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