Splicing 12-plait Rope

Article written by Henry Pedro

Although these splices are not the true blue back splices you saw in your Scout Handbook, they work just fine, and provide a much better margin of safety than knotting. Remember that even though a bowline is one of the most efficient knots, it still removes up to 40% of a rope's load carrying capacity. A true thimbled back splice removes approximately 10% of a rope's load carrying capacity, and this version will be similar in performance.

The rope used here is 1/8" Vectrus-12 - a 12 plait stranded rope with a load carrying capacity of 2000 pounds. Because it is relatively slippery and has no stretch or creep it does not knot well. However it's performance in a splice is outstanding.

When cutting Vectrus-12, wrap the part you're about to cut with masking tape. Then cut through the tape with a very sharp knife or a razor blade. Don't use scissors or you'll make a mess. Also, Vectrus does not melt, so don't try to burn the end with a flame. Leave the masking tape on to make your life easier.

Step 1: Using a hollow fid or a similar tool
like a marlin spike, carefully separate the
rope strands at the base of the thimble
and feed the free end through. Ensure that
you have about 4 or 5 inches of free end.
It helps if you tape the tip of the free end
tightly so that it does not fray. Step 2: Pull the free end tightly to ensure
a snug fit for the thimble. Step 3: Repeat step 1, inserting in
opposite directions with you insertions
approximately 8 mm apart. Pull the free end
through tightly each time. Step 4: Clean up your work and insert the
free end into the hollow space between the
strands of rope. Pull the thimble to ensure
a tight fit. Step 5: Using medium waxed whipping
twine, begin stitching the splice together at
the base of the thimble. Be careful to insert
your needle in such a way that it pushes the
rope fibres apart, rather than piercing
through them. Tie a knot in the twine at the
beginning of your work. Step 6: Whip the twine around as tightly as
possible. Make the first whipping about 1.5
times as wide as the rope is thick. To finish
off the whipping, pass your needle through
the splice. Make successive whippings in a
similar manner, about an inch or so apart
until you reach the end of the back splice.
Congratulations, you're done!

Back to CAN8050 Rigging Project