As a coach, it can often be a good idea to dedicate some session time to boat maintenance and upkeep and one skill that can be handy to have is splicing.  

Some of the more popular splices on braided rope come in two main types: Single braid rope and Braid on Braid rope. In this article we will look at one of the more popular basic splices on single braided rope. 

The Brummel splice. 

Note: Some ropes are woven very tightly, making splicing difficult, make sure you check if the rope is suitable before you buy it. 

Equipment and tips 

For the single braided splices done in this article here is the list of equipment needed: 

• Single braided rope

• Correct push fid to match the size of the rope 

• Marker pen 

• Scissors or a sharp knife (not for kids) 

Some slices require a more extensive list of equipment and you can also use excellent websites to further develop your splicing skills, apps like https://www.animatedknots.com/splicing-knots . 

Some extra equipment might include: 

• Marker pens (white) 

• Whipping twine 

• Needles 

• Lighter 

• Electrical tape 

• Cable cutters 

• Pliers 

Definitions

Tail: loose end 

Line: static end 

Tapering: Thinning the end of the rope for a less bulky finish 

Fids: tool used to push or pull the ropes through the rope. Push fids and pull fids. Push fids work for ropes being spliced that are usually 3.5mm +, but for thinner ropes a pull fid is essential. 

Bunch: the outer pushed together to give the reference point/ make it easier to feed the fib through. 

Brummel splice

An locking eye splice for a single braid rope, used for any loop like a block attachment, when you have 2 loose ends to the rope. If splicing to something (like a block), don’t forget to put the rope around it before splicing. 

Tip:

Because this spice uses many of the techniques common for a lot of splices it makes sense to practice this spice first. 

Step 1: Decide the size of the loop and mark it on the rope. 

Step 2: On the marks bunch the rope/ spread the weave to open up and identify individual strands.  

Step 3: thread the fid through the rope on the mark on the line side of the rope. 

Step 4: load the tail into the fid and pull through.

Step 5: pull the tail through the line until you get to the mark. 

Step 6: pass the fid through the tail mark and load line end into the fid. 

Step 7: pull the fid and line end through the tail. 

Step 8: tighten the splice. 

Step 9: to bury the tail, push the fid into the line, entering as the close to splice as possible and along the line. 

Step 10. Load the tail into the fid and then exit the fid down the rope further then the length of the tail. 

Step 11. Pull the tail end out and taper the end of the tail by unravelling the weave, splitting it in two and cutting one side away. 

Step 13. Smooth by sliding the line over and burying the tail. 

Learning splicing helps improve your knowledge of the gear that allows you to sail. As a coach being able to answer questions and teach how to splice is another step towards continuously improving your coaching skills and in turn enhancing the experience for the sailors you coach.