Back Splice (Three-Strand): A back splice is used to stop the end of a rope from fraying.

1. Back Splice (Three-Strand): A back splice is used to stop the end of a rope from fraying. • Makes a good, neat finish to a line. • Does increase the diameter of the rope substantially. • Makes it difficult for a line to pass through small eyes or blocks. Finished Back Splice • A 3/8 inch diameter white nylon rope with a marker strand will be used for this demonstration.

2. Splicing Right-Hand Laid Line: Begin a back splice by unraveling the three strands approximately 8-10 inches from the end of the rope. • When splicing large lines or synthetics such as nylon or Dacron, the strand ends may become frayed and difficult to work with. To guard against this, wrap them tightly with a turn of tape or a seizing. • Like the eye splice, hold the rope so you can clearly recognize the center strand and the front of the rope. Center Strand “Back” of Rope Center Strand “Front” of Rope Correct

3. A Crown Knot must be tied before the unlaid ends are spliced back into the standing part of the rope (fig.1,2 & 3). After unlaying the strands, the middle strand is brought down forward between the other two strands, forming a bight (fig. 1). Bring the strand facing the front of the rope down and over the middle strand and between the rope and the remaining strand (fig. 2). Now take the remaining strand over the forward facing strand and through the bight of the middle strand (fig. 3). Remaining strand Strand facing front Center Strand “Front” of Rope 1 2 3

4. Pull all the strands tight to finish the crown knot prior to beginning the actual back splice. Finished Crown Knot 4 5

5. After tightening the crown knot, tuck each strand by passing it over one strand and under the next strand (fig. 6) of the standing part of the rope until you have completed the required number of tucks. Tightened Crown Knot 5 6

6. After the required number of tucks, the ends are cut off, but not to short or else they will “untuck” themselves. Roll the splice between your palms to help it settle.

7. When splicing synthetic lines the strand ends are usually hot-melted. A taper may be applied to a back splice if desired.