Making the proper splices in the proper places on your ropes is the benchmark of a skilled craftsman. Very often, the ability to do a neat job of splicing is placed on the top of the skills list of ropework. Making splices is not really all that hard to do.
There are three basic types of splices that are typically made on three strand twisted rope: an Eye Splice, a Back Splice, and a Short Splice. The basic process in all three splices is to unlay the strands at the end of the rope, then weave them over and under back into the rope to form the splice.
In some cases the right knot could do the same job as each of these three splices: a bowline might be used instead of an eye splice; a sheet bend or carrick bend instead of a short splice, and whipping could replace the back splice.
Knots are more bulky than an eye splice or short splice. Splices are neater and smaller and not likely to come untied in use. Splices in ropes make the rope secure and ready to go when needed.
Learning how to make the first tuck on each of the three strands is the key to splicing. The first tuck sets up the pattern for the following tucks and gives the splice a symmetrical appearance. Those first few tucks that you make might look a bit rough, but try to remember that neatness is one of the keys to a well-made splice. Try to prevent each strand from unraveling while you’re working with it. Also, you should try to pull each set of tucks tight and with even tension.
The rope should maintain approximately 80% of its strength if the splice is made with a series of three tucks on each of the three strands. If after making the first three tucks on all three strands, you reduce each strand to one-half of its fibers and make a fourth tuck, the splice will have a nice tapered look.
To learn the technique of splicing, it’s best to practice with a short piece of 1/4-inch three strand manila rope. Avoid sisal and plastic rope until you have mastered splicing with manila rope.