How to 8 Plait Splicing to Chain

Splicing rope to chain is a good temporary fix.

If a rope breaks on a boat or piece of machinery, it is important to fix it as soon as possible. This cannot always be done and a quick fix, or splice, has to be made to attach the two ends of rope together. The same is true of rope fixed to a chain, but a stronger plait is needed to ensure the rope holds to the links and is able to support the strain of what the chain is holding or lifting.

Things You'll Need

• String
• Electrical tape
• Pencil
• Metal spike

Instructions

1. Count down 10 turns of the rope and wrap a piece of string or tape around the rope at this point to prevent excessive fraying during the plait.

2. Separate the rope above the string or electrical tape into four strands. Each of these strands should be made up of two pieces of braided rope. Label these strands left and right depending on what direction the strands rotate.

3. Tape up the ends of each strand to stop fraying and to make the plait easier. Make the tape into a point at the end of each strand. Electrical tape, or any other smooth strong tape, is usable.

4. Take one left and one right strand and pass them through the first link in the chain from the same side.

5. Pass the other two left and right strands, and pass it through the link from the other side so they go over the top of the stands in the last step.

6. Turn the rope over, take one of the right strands and tuck it under the nearest left-rotating strand. Repeat for the other right strand under the other left strand.

7. Turn the rope over again and repeat the last step, tucking the left rotating strands under the right.

8. Repeat this two more times first with right under left and then left under right. Remember to turn the rope over before each tuck.

9. Cut one of the braided pieces making up each strand a 1/2 inch from the end on all four sections.

10. Repeat the weaving motion until there is only 1 inch of rope poking out from the chain links. Pull all the strands tight and cut off half of the excess rope so there is less than a 1/2 inch of rope still protruding from the chain.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a pencil or metal spike to life up strands of rope so the other strand can be inserted underneath.

References

• John Danicic -- Endeavors: Rope to Chain Splices