How To Do A Rope To Chain Splice
Below are instructions on how to splice chain to anchor rope. If you are using a windlass, this is essential as you cannot use a shackle between the rope and chain when using an anchor windlass. Of course, you can splice your rope to chain even if you're not using a windlass.The instructions below use a three strand rope. Splicing braided rope to chain is considerably harder. Whereas most boaters will be able to perform a three-strand rope to chain splice in little time and on their first try, splicing braided rope is an art requiring much practice.
Most marine shops will be happy to do a splice for you for a minimal charge, normally around $15-25. Simply bring them the rope and chain that you want spliced. Or, look for a pre-spliced rope and chain package.
Step 1
One of the simpler ways of splicing rope to chain is to seize the rope about 16 inches in from the end to arrest any further unraveling. Use ordinary whipping twine. |
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Step 2 Unlay the twist to the seized point. Taping the ends with electrical tape just makes it easier to splice later on. |
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Step 3 The next step is to feed 2 strands through heat shrink in one direction and one in the opposite direction. Pull all the strands tight and apply heat to shrink. Preferably a high heat hair dryer. |
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Step 4 Cut the whipping carefully. Anyone who has done an eyesplice with 3 strand twist will be able to do the rest. Over one and under the next in a typical backsplice fashion. If you've never done an eye-twist before, there's a good example here: http://www.animatedknots.com/splice/index.php |
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Step 5 After 3 complete tucks reduce the tails by 1/3rd and with a hot knife melt flat. Continue with the tucks for about 3 more with each tail and this will give you a nice taper. Cut off remaining lengths and melt flat. |
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Final Product Your finished product should look like the picture to the right. |
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