How to Splice Nylon Rope

Splicing rope is a much more effective way of combining two lengths of rope. It allows the rope to maintain up to 95% of its original strength. Splicing nylon rope can be easy with practice. There are several ways to splice rope depending on what you want to use it for. I will be describing a short splice which is used to combine two ropes.

Things You'll Need

• Two lengths of nylon rope
• two zip ties or two bits of string

Instructions

1. Use your zip tie or string and mark off 3-4 inches from the end of each rope. Cut the tip off of each rope and unravel the strands. The string or zip tie will prevent the rest of the rope from unraveling while performing your splice.

2. Place the unraveled end of each rope next to each other. Twist the rope, above the tie, between your fingers creating small gap in the first strands above the tie. Now lace the unwoven strands of the other rope through the gaps in the strands. Repeat on the other rope.

3. Now pull on the strands to draw the rope ends closely together. Again, twist the rope above where the new strands are woven in and weave in the more of the strands. Repeat three or four times until the remaining length of strands are woven in. Repeat with the other side of the rope. With nylon you should consider using a match or a lighter to seal the ends of each of the strands or tape the ends of each strand. This will prevent the individual strands from unraveling.

Tips & Warnings

• I have included a link to a short animation showing the process at the bottom of the page.

• While the splice should hold with no problems consider pulling each rope to tighten the splice and then wrapping the splice in duct tape for added strength.

• Use caution with any spliced rope, if not done properly the splice could loosen.

Resources

• short splice animation