Splicing is a technique used to join or terminate a rope by intertwining its strands in a secure and durable manner. It is widely used in the nautical field to create eyelets, permanent fastenings, or reliable joints without the use of knots.
🔹 Types of Lead
1. Eye Lead
✔ Creating a ring (eye) at the end of the top.
✔ Used for attaching shackles, snap hooks or for moorings.
✔ It can be three-strand (for three-strand lines) or braided (for braided lines).
🔹 Example of use: Splicing for halyards and sheets on sailing boats.
2. Joint Sealing
✔ Allows you to join two ropes of the same type without knots.
✔ Maintains the original strength of the top.
✔ Ideal for extending a rope or for sailing maneuvers.
🔹 Example of use: Connection between halyards and sheets without creating clutter.
3. Splicing with thimble
✔ Inserts a thimble (metal ring) inside the eye.
✔ Increases the life of the top by reducing fretting wear.
✔ Used for fixing on bollards, hooks or buoys.
🔹 Example of use: Mooring boats and securing towing lines.
4. Braid Splicing
✔ Technique for sock and core ropes, more complex but more resistant.
✔ Ideal for high-performance lines such as Dyneema® or Spectra®.
✔ Maintains the strength and flexibility of the material.
🔹 Example of use: Safety lines and high-strength halyards.
🔹 Splicing Tools
✔ Splicing needles (Fid)
✔ Adhesive tape to secure the ends
✔ Sharp knife for precise cuts
✔ Lighter or torch to seal the synthetic ends
