Page 447 - The Ashley Book of Knots

THE ASHLEY BOOK OF KNOTS

2692. LONG SPLICES are mentioned by Falconer in 1769. They are

used wherever it is necessary for a splice to pass through a block,

since they are smaller in diameter than SHORT SPLICES. But they are

practical only if the two ropes to be joined are of the same size.

Some of the ropemaking concerns state that a LONG SPLICE weak,

ens a rope as much as fifty per cent. But unless a splice is very badly

made indeed this can hardly be true, since there are at every length

in a LONG SPLICE two untouched strands. This leaves sixty-six and

two thirds per cent of the rope at all times intact. So even if the third

strand has no strength at all, which can hardly be imagined, fifty per

cent is still too Iowan estimate.

To tie a long splice: Marry the rope as in a SHORT SPLICE, but make

the legs much longer (about fifteen inches for each inch of circum-

ference in the rope). The strands may be arranged as depicted in the

upper diagram, and stopped at the point in the center where aver·

tical line is drawn. Proceed with the two opposing strands at the

right end, laying one out to the right and laying the other one into

its score, "one tum out and one turn in," at one time. When the

length of one strand is reduced to nine inches, arrange the two ends

as the left ends in the second diagram and, pulling them snugly to-

gether, leave them for the moment. Proceed to layout and lay in the

two left strands in the same manner described for the right-hand

2.&"2. ones, but, having made about two circuits of the rope, stop and ex-

amine the center of your splice carefully. If the two continuous sec-

tions at the center are not even and smooth you must rearrange the

tension with the left end with which you are now working. Failing

to do this, your splice will be worthless. This is the danger point for a

beginner. When the left strands are correctly laid, half knot all ends

as pictured in the second diagram, removing enough of the lay or twist

so that the ams will lie fair. Having knotted the ends, work the

center pair rst, tuck each end over and under twice full and then a

half. Treat the other ends in the same fashion.

2693. This differs from the last only in being tucked once full,

once one half and once one quarter. It is also good practice to tuck

once full, once two thirds and once one third.

2694. The present splice and the other LONG SPLICES to follow are

all arranged as in the previous description until three sets of opposing

st{ands face each other along the rope. A more uniform splice than

those already shown is made by laying out one half of each strand

before knotting. The two opposing half strands are then knotted

together. Tuck the ends over and under twice, divide the remainder

and stick once more.

26"4
2695. The sailmaker, having laid out one half the strand as above,

knots the two ends and "backs" the remaining part once, then hal vel

it and backs it a second time.