How to Splice Twisted Polypropylene Rope

It's easy to splice polypropylene rope.

Twisted polypropylene rope is a hollow, lightweight rope that's fairly inexpensive. It's commonly used for boating because it floats. The main problem with it is that, because it's so light, it has a tendency to break under prolonged tension or harsh conditions. You can't splice it the same way you would other plastic ropes since it's not as sturdy as materials like nylon.

Things You'll Need

• Matches
• Fid (tapered plastic tool)

Instructions

1. Melt the end of the piece of rope that you want to splice. Don't hold the match directly to the rope for more than a moment, or you'll burn too much of it. Let it cool for a minute before continuing.

2. Fit the singed end of the rope into the plastic splicing fid. A fid is a long, pen-cap-shaped plastic tip that lets you guide the rope through the other, like a needle and thread. Shove the singed rope into the fid as far as it will go.

3. Insert the fid between the twisted braids of a second piece of rope until you get it into the hollow center. Start about 6 inches from the end of the second rope and draw it through. Remove the fid.

4. Place the fid on the 6-inch length of the second rope and insert it into the first rope where they connect.

5. Push the fid through the first rope as far as you can, and remove it. This intertwines the ropes, braiding them together. Smooth the splice and stretch it until it's taut.

Tips & Warnings

• If your rope has broken in one spot, check the whole length for weaknesses.

• Polypropylene breaks down quickly in sunlight, so always store it in the shade when not in use.

References

• The Lehigh Group: How to Make an End Splice