Splicing: Simple How To

By Steve Cockerill

With the introduction of expensive ball bearing blocks on our boats we should be thinking of insuring their safety and improving performance. Using a fid to splice a block to the line is really much easier than you might think.

You will need

Rope to splice – We recommend Spec12 or any other 8–12 strand rope without the protective outer layer. Here we use 3mm Spec12
A Fid – suitably sized for the rope being used. Here we use 4mm Push Fid
Block, eyelet or whatever else you need to attach to the line. In this example a Ronstan 20mm Block with Becket

The finished article – looks smart don't you think?

Firstly ensure that the tail of the line you are splicing is cut cleanly at an angle to ensure a neat end result. Then start by passing the fid through the main line.

Next pass the tail through the main line using the fid for ease.

Now repeat this step to make a double turn in the line to lock the splice. If possible you can pass the end of the main line through the tail close to the first 'pass through' to create an even more secure lock.

Now the lockk is finished take up the tension on the line and it should look like this.

The next step can be quite tricky but with practice it will get easier. You need to feed the fid through the center of the main line close the the exit point of the second 'pass through'. You may use a sailmakers palm to protect your hands if the rope is stiff.

It helps to bunch up the line ahead of the fid to make it easier to feed through.

Now make a clean exit from the center of the main line and push the fid with the tail attached through.

Gently pull the tail through the center of the main line.

Once it is out, remove the fid.

Slowly pull the main line over the tail; it should dissapear.

Continue to work the mainline over the tail until the splice feels tight and looks tidy.