Short Splice Short Splice (Three-Strand): (Three-Strand): A short A short splice is the strongest way to join two identical splice is the strongest way to join two identical stranded ropes.stranded ropes. Does increase the diameter of the rope substantially. Unlike bends, splicing retains most of the strength of the rope (85 to 90%). Excellent splice for repairs along headropes & footropes of various nets.

For the sake of clarity the following examples will utilize two different colors of rope. A For the sake of clarity the following examples will utilize two different colors of rope. A 3/8 inch diameter yellow polypropylene rope will be spliced to a 3/8 inch manila rope. It is 3/8 inch diameter yellow polypropylene rope will be spliced to a 3/8 inch manila rope. It is generally not advisable to use dissimilar ropes for actual field applications.generally not advisable to use dissimilar ropes for actual field applications.

Standard Short Splice – No Tapers

Splicing Right-Hand Laid Line:Splicing Right-Hand Laid Line:Begin a short splice Begin a short splice by unraveling the three strands approximately 8-12 inches on each by unraveling the three strands approximately 8-12 inches on each rope. rope.

When splicing large lines or synthetics such as nylon or Dacron, the When splicing large lines or synthetics such as nylon or Dacron, the strand ends may become frayed and difficult to work with. To guard strand ends may become frayed and difficult to work with. To guard against this, wrap them tightly with a turn of tape or a seizing.against this, wrap them tightly with a turn of tape or a seizing.

Unlike the eye splice, the strands should be separated and left Unlike the eye splice, the strands should be separated and left entirely independent as shown below. There is no “center” strand. entirely independent as shown below. There is no “center” strand.

INCORRECT “Center” strand established

CORRECTStrands are independent

Intertwine or “marry” the strands of each Intertwine or “marry” the strands of each rope as shown in figure 1.rope as shown in figure 1.

Independent strands on both ropes.

Figure 1

Take any one of the free strands and tuck it Take any one of the free strands and tuck it against the lay, over one strand and under against the lay, over one strand and under the next of the opposite rope the next of the opposite rope (figures 2A & 2B).(figures 2A & 2B).

2A

2B

Tuck the two remaining free stands in the Tuck the two remaining free stands in the same manner, always over one strand and same manner, always over one strand and under the next in the opposite rope. under the next in the opposite rope.

3A 3B

3C 3D

3rd Strand

Over this Strand

Under this Strand

Tuck the other set of strands into the first rope Tuck the other set of strands into the first rope in exactly the same way, over one strand and in exactly the same way, over one strand and under the next, working against the lay.under the next, working against the lay.

4A

4D4B 4C

After the required number of tucks on each side, roll After the required number of tucks on each side, roll the splice between your palms to help it settle. When the splice between your palms to help it settle. When cutting the excess strands off, do not cut so close as to cutting the excess strands off, do not cut so close as to allow the strands to untuck.allow the strands to untuck.

If the splice is to be tapered do not cut the excess strands at this time – follow the steps shown in the following slide.

If a tapered splice is desiredIf a tapered splice is desired you should allow an extra you should allow an extra 3-4 inches when unraveling the strands prior to intertwining the 3-4 inches when unraveling the strands prior to intertwining the two ropes two ropes (figure 1).(figure 1). A tapered splice is made by taking an A tapered splice is made by taking an additional 2 to 3 tucks after the minimum number while cutting additional 2 to 3 tucks after the minimum number while cutting away some of the threads from each strand before each extra away some of the threads from each strand before each extra tuck tuck (figures 5A & 5B).(figures 5A & 5B).

5A5B

A tapered splice is generally only used in A tapered splice is generally only used in combination with a short splice. It is particularly combination with a short splice. It is particularly useful with any type of “running rigging”.useful with any type of “running rigging”.

Tapered End No Taper

Additional Tucks