3-Strand Rope to Splice (Standard & Tapered)

Step #1: To begin this splice, measure 14 crowns (or twists) from the end of the line [18 crowns for a tapered splice]. Mark this location with a temporary wrap of tape around the rope. Un-lay the rope up to the tape. Heat seal or tape the end of each individual working strands. (note: be careful that the strands do not untwist). (Fig 1)

Step #2: To form the eye, bend the rope to form the desired eye size and mark with a temporary wrap of tape. This is done with the standing part of the rope in front of you, bending the tail of the rope from left to right. (note: bend following the natural bend of the rope so as not to put any twist into the eye or the splice). (Fig 2)

Step #3: To perform the first set of tucks, lay the strands out such that you have a left, middle, and right working strand. Then place the left and middle working strands across the rope just below the taped mark. (Fig 3) Tuck the middle strand under a strand on the standing part of the rope just beyond the taped mark. …

Notes:

1. If this is your first time splicing mark the ends of the working strands with an L –left, M –middle, and R –right.)
2. If this is your first time splicing, mark the strand you tucked under as this will be your reference point.

... Take the left strand and tuck it under the strand just to the left of the one you raised on the previous step. (note: the left strand should look like it is going over the strand you raised in the previous step) (Fig 4).

… Take the right strand and tuck it under the strand just to the right of the one you raised for tucking the middle strand. Note: It is easier to do this if you first turn the rope over, as shown in photo) (Fig 5). Pull all three working strands snug (note: the two temporary tape marks should be aligning and forming your eye.) This completes the first set of tucks.

Step #4: Perform four more sets of tucks for each of the three working strands. In each tuck the working strand should go over a strand then tucked under a strand. (Fig 6a)

Note: after each set of tucks, pull all three working strands snug)

Step #5: Skip the step #5 if performing a standard splice. To perform a tapered splice make two additional tucks with one strand and one additional tuck with a second strand, leaving the third strand as is. (Fig 6b)

Step #6: In order to finish the splice, cut and melt the ends of the working strands, leaving a stub approximately as long as the diameter of the working strand.

Note: the stub will be drawn into the rope once it is loaded up. It can be trimmed further after it has been loaded up.